Sport nationCeltic Told to Follow Aston Villa Example Amid Champions League Demand
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner has urged the Hoops to adopt a more defensive approach in the Champions League, citing Aston Villa as a prime example. Celtic’s humiliating 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund highlighted their vulnerability and sparked concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level.
Bonner emphasized the importance of adapting to opponents, particularly in European competitions. He praised Aston Villa’s ability to adjust their setup under Unai Emery, showcasing their quality and flexibility.
“Celtic need to set up more like Aston Villa in the Champions League,” Bonner said on BBC Sportsound. “Aston Villa was a prime example of it against Bayern Munich. They’ve got forward-going players, the same as Celtic, quality players. But then they change it; Unai Emery has been around European football so many times and is a winner.”
Bonner’s comments come after Celtic’s disappointing performance in the Champions League. The Glasgow outfit’s inability to contain Borussia Dortmund’s attacking threats raised questions about their defensive solidity.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers faces a daunting task in revitalizing his team’s Champions League campaign. Bonner’s advice to adopt a more defensive approach may be crucial in securing positive results.
Rodgers’ side bounced back from their humiliation with a 2-1 win over Ross County in the Scottish Premiership. However, Bonner stressed the need for Celtic to demonstrate similar adaptability in European competition.
“Celtic’s got to play Atalanta, they’ve got to play Leipzig at home, which will also play very much on a kind of almost really quick counter-attack and exploit the spaces that Celtic leave,” Bonner said. “He’s got to also play Aston Villa. You’ve seen, Aston Villa was a prime example of it.”
Celtic’s next Champions League clash is against Atalanta, followed by a match against Aston Villa. Bonner urged Rodgers to tighten up the defense, learning from Aston Villa’s strategic approach.
The Hoops’ ability to respond to setbacks will be tested. By heeding Bonner’s advice, Celtic can demonstrate their capacity to learn from defeats and mount a stronger challenge in European competition.
Adopting a more defensive approach would require significant changes to Celtic’s playing style. However, the potential rewards could be substantial.
Celtic’s Champions League campaign is at a critical juncture. Embracing a more adaptable approach could be pivotal in securing positive results.
The Glasgow outfit’s vulnerability was exposed against Borussia Dortmund. Bonner’s comments serve as a timely reminder of the importance of defensive solidity in European competition.
Unai Emery’s influence on Aston Villa has been significant. The Spanish manager’s ability to adapt his team’s setup has yielded impressive results.
Celtic would do well to follow Aston Villa’s example. By embracing flexibility and adaptability, the Hoops can improve their chances of success in the Champions League.
As Celtic navigates the challenges of European competition, Bonner’s advice will be invaluable. The former goalkeeper’s insight into the demands of Champions League football makes his comments particularly pertinent.
Celtic’s response to their defeat against Borussia Dortmund will define their Champions League campaign. By adopting a more defensive approach and embracing adaptability, the Hoops can revive their hopes of progressing.
The Champions League is renowned for its unpredictability. Celtic’s ability to adapt to different opponents and playing styles will be crucial in securing positive results.
In conclusion, Celtic’s Champions League campaign hangs in the balance. By heeding Pat Bonner’s advice and adopting a more defensive approach, the Hoops can demonstrate their capacity to learn from defeats and mount a stronger challenge in European competition.
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