Despite an impressive second half performance against Motherwell Celtic failed to turn up in the first.
The Hoops consistently dominate possession but for much of the game without threatening the opposition.
Brendan Rodgers himself has previously spoken about the way the Bhoys play under him and how he has not made any changes to the speed of play.
He said: [Daily Record] “I’ve heard the bits and pieces around about slower build-up. But that’s not the instruction. The instruction is to get through the pitch with speed quickly.
“There is absolutely nothing asked of the players any different to what they have done before. I’ve heard how the style has changed and how the system has changed. But the system hasn’t changed one iota. Not one. The full-backs you see here are still coming inside. The wingers still go on the outside.”
Begging the question of why Celtic are playing slower and attacking less aggressively?
One reason is personnel; this is not the same squad as last season.
With Liam Scales at centre back, Rodgers has a defender who, on the ball, is still adjusting to progressing possession in a team like Celtic, who consistently face low blocks domestically.
Defenders set the tone for attacks, and at times, Scales is unsure of who to pass to and when to drive into space with the ball.
This can then be attributed to Rodgers and the coaching staff, as they could help Scales improve this aspect of his play during training.
With Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers spending large spells of the season out with injury, Celtic have been unable to name a consistent starting 11 due to personnel being side-lined.
Another reason is Rodgers’ instructions, or lack thereof.
Under Ange Postecoglou, it was clear that wingers, attacking midfielders, and full-backs would interchange positions, creating triangles in the final third.
At times, the team looks unsure of who to pass to and when, with this trend only starting to develop under Rodgers.
Rodgers himself needs to work on this as he is the only person who can make his team play faster.
Instead of saying he has not changed anything, maybe he could be more detailed in the instructions he gives to players when they have the ball if he wants quicker and more fluid attacks.
The players themselves also take some of the blame for how indecisive they have become in possession, but undoubtedly, they are crying out for leadership from Rodgers over how to play more aggressively.
