Sport Nation 2Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side recently faced a major setback in Europe, suffering a crushing 7-1 defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Following the match, Rodgers has maintained his commitment to Celtic’s attacking football philosophy, even amidst calls from fans and pundits for a more pragmatic approach in such high-level competitions.
Rodgers’ Response to the Defeat
Rodgers’ stance on the loss was clear: he sees it as a learning experience for the team. Despite the magnitude of the defeat, he has not shown any signs of altering Celtic’s approach to these big European matches. His faith in the team’s style remains firm, as he believes adapting too much for one-off games could unsettle the players, many of whom were not recruited with a more defensive mindset.
Celtic typically dominate possession in domestic competitions, so asking the players to suddenly adopt a more conservative approach in Europe would be challenging. Rodgers acknowledges this difficulty but believes that sticking to their core identity, while learning from these experiences, will ultimately help the team improve.
Chris Sutton’s Criticism
However, Celtic legend Chris Sutton has expressed a different view. Writing in his column for the Daily Record, Sutton criticized Rodgers for not adapting in-game to Borussia Dortmund’s intense pressing. He emphasized the importance of tactical flexibility, especially when it becomes clear that the team’s usual approach is not working.
Sutton drew a parallel with Arsenal, who have been able to change their approach when circumstances dictate. He specifically referenced a recent game against Manchester City, where Arsenal adjusted their tactics after going down to ten men, demonstrating their adaptability under manager Mikel Arteta.
Sutton suggested that Celtic’s refusal to change their approach during the match against Dortmund contributed to their downfall. He highlighted the importance of being able to sit back and absorb pressure when needed, referencing teams like Real Madrid, who have mastered the art of adapting their game to suit the situation. Sutton believes that if Celtic had been more flexible in their approach, the result may have been different.
Tactical Adaptability in Europe
The debate over Celtic’s approach in Europe is not new. Over the years, many have questioned whether the team’s dominant, attacking style is suited to the high intensity and tactical sophistication of the Champions League. Celtic’s 7-1 defeat to Dortmund only reignites the conversation.
While Celtic are able to impose their style in the Scottish Premiership, where they often dominate possession and face less pressing opposition, European competitions are a different beast. Teams like Borussia Dortmund, with their aggressive high press and quick transitions, can exploit Celtic’s attacking mindset. This is where Sutton’s argument for more in-game adaptability comes into play.
When Celtic are facing elite teams who can match or even exceed their level of intensity, sticking rigidly to their usual style can lead to problems. Sutton pointed out that Celtic “kept doing the same things” during the match against Dortmund, even as it became clear that the opposition was gaining the upper hand.
To succeed at the highest level, Celtic may need to learn when to prioritize defense over attack and when to shift their approach based on the flow of the game. Sutton’s comparison to Real Madrid is apt: despite being one of the most successful teams in Champions League history, Real Madrid have not shied away from sitting deep and soaking up pressure when necessary.
Learning from Defeat
Rodgers, on the other hand, seems determined to focus on the positives and believes that the team can use this defeat as a learning experience. His vision is to build a Celtic side that can compete with the best while staying true to their attacking identity. However, the challenge lies in finding a balance between their usual style and the pragmatism needed for European success.
For Rodgers, making drastic changes to the team’s philosophy may disrupt the progress they’ve made domestically. Celtic have been dominant in the Scottish Premiership, and the team’s style is integral to that success. The question is whether they can tweak that approach in Europe without losing what makes them so effective at home.
A Path Forward
As Celtic continue their Champions League campaign, the focus will be on how Rodgers and his team respond to this defeat. The next few fixtures in Europe will provide an opportunity to see whether Celtic have learned from their mistakes and whether they can strike the right balance between their attacking philosophy and the need for tactical flexibility.
Sutton’s analysis offers a valuable perspective, and his call for in-game adaptability is something Rodgers will need to consider if Celtic are to compete at the highest level in Europe. The team has the talent, but unlocking success on the continent may require a more nuanced approach than simply sticking to their usual game plan.
Ultimately, Rodgers’ challenge will be to build a Celtic team that can thrive both domestically and in Europe, and that means finding the right moments to adapt without abandoning their core identity. The journey will be a tough one, but if Celtic can learn from this defeat and grow as a team, they may yet find success in the Champions League.
Amina Umar
Sport nation