Ange Postecoglou’s reign as Celtic manager has been widely hailed as a resounding success. From his arrival in 2021, Postecoglou injected fresh energy into the club, leading them to Scottish Premiership titles, domestic trebles, and an electrifying brand of football. His emphasis on high-pressing, attacking football and his ability to develop players into stars has won over both fans and pundits. But as with all football managers, the question arises: is his approach sustainable in the long run? Are Postecoglou’s tactics starting to lose their edge, and should Celtic consider replacing him?
A Brief History of Postecoglou’s Success at Celtic
When Ange Postecoglou took over as Celtic manager, he inherited a squad in disarray, recovering from the loss of Neil Lennon and an underwhelming 2020-21 season. The Australian manager’s philosophy — known for its fluid attacking football, emphasis on high pressing, and positional rotations — was a stark contrast to the more pragmatic approach of his predecessors.
In his first season, Postecoglou implemented a relentless, high-intensity style that revitalized Celtic’s squad, with Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota emerging as key attacking threats. The results spoke for themselves: Celtic won the Scottish Premiership, clinched a League Cup title, and regained their dominance over rivals Rangers.
But as time progresses, every tactical approach faces its challenges — especially when success leads to increased expectations. While Celtic’s dominance in Scotland continues, there are growing questions about whether Postecoglou’s tactics are equipped to maintain that level of success — particularly in more competitive environments like European competitions.
Is the High-Pressing Style Losing Its Bite?
One of the most defining features of Postecoglou’s football is the intense high pressing that aims to suffocate the opposition early in their build-up play. His aggressive approach has led to numerous fast breaks, high-scoring games, and a fun, dynamic style that has entertained fans across Scotland.
However, there are emerging signs that opponents are beginning to find ways to counter this strategy. The high-pressing game requires relentless energy, and as the season progresses, it demands more from the players. For example, when Celtic faced higher-quality teams in European competitions, especially in the UEFA Champions League, the tactical shortcomings were exposed.
Teams like Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen were able to bypass Celtic’s press with quick, incisive passes and intelligent movement, often rendering the high press ineffective. Celtic’s midfield can be caught out of position when the press fails, leaving them vulnerable to counter-attacks and exposing defensive gaps.
While Celtic dominate domestically, the question remains: are they simply overpowering Scottish teams with sheer intensity and superior talent? Or is Postecoglou’s high-press strategy truly effective in all scenarios, particularly when faced with more tactically sophisticated teams in Europe?
A Lack of Tactical Flexibility?
Another area that has begun to raise eyebrows is Postecoglou’s perceived lack of tactical flexibility. His unwavering belief in the high-pressing, attacking football model has made him a fan favorite, but it can also be seen as a limiting factor.
In crucial games, particularly in European matches where Celtic are often the underdogs, Postecoglou has largely stuck to his attacking principles, even when a more pragmatic, cautious approach could serve them better. In some of the Champions League games, for example, Celtic’s commitment to pressing high up the pitch left them vulnerable to counter-attacks. Postecoglou’s refusal to adjust his approach when the pressure was on allowed more experienced teams to exploit spaces.
Unlike some of Europe’s elite managers, who know when to switch to a more conservative or counter-attacking approach, Postecoglou’s tactical rigidity at times has seen Celtic struggle in tougher, more demanding environments. Against top-tier teams, his system has at times looked outmatched — especially when Celtic’s midfield or defensive lines become stretched.
Celtic fans may be reluctant to accept this, but Postecoglou’s refusal to adapt his tactics in crucial games could limit the team’s potential in the long term. If his approach doesn’t evolve, Celtic may continue to fall short of their aspirations in Europe, despite domestic success.
Player Fatigue and Depth Issues
Another concern surrounding Postecoglou’s tactics is the potential for player fatigue, especially considering the demands of his high-intensity style. Celtic’s squad depth is strong in some areas, but they still face issues when it comes to covering key positions in the starting XI. This has led to an overreliance on certain players — Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota, and Callum McGregor — and over time, their ability to maintain peak performance may be hindered.
The physical toll of Postecoglou’s style on his players has already been noticeable. When key players are overworked, it can lead to injuries and dips in form — a concern especially with the intensity of both domestic league and European commitments.
Furthermore, Celtic’s depth in certain areas, such as the attacking positions or in defense, could be better utilized. Postecoglou has occasionally been slow to rotate players when necessary, which might contribute to fatigue and poor performances in crucial moments.
Is It Time for Change?
Despite these challenges, it’s essential to remember that Ange Postecoglou has brought significant success to Celtic, and his high-press, attacking style has revitalized the club. Under his stewardship, Celtic have claimed domestic titles, secured European football, and produced exciting young talents. For many fans, his impact is undeniable, and his philosophy has become a central part of the club’s identity.
However, as the team matures and the competition intensifies, the question must be asked: Is Postecoglou’s tactics still enough to propel Celtic to the highest levels of European football? The reality is that, without evolution, the same system that worked wonders in his early years might struggle to keep up with the tactical sophistication of Europe’s elite teams.
Celtic must find the balance between the exhilarating football Postecoglou has introduced and the flexibility required to overcome Europe’s finest. Postecoglou may need to adapt and learn how to tweak his tactics for high-stakes, high-pressure games, particularly in continental competitions. If he cannot evolve his approach, or if player fatigue and tactical inflexibility continue to hamper their progress, Celtic might face the difficult decision of parting ways with their charismatic coach.
Conclusion: The Future of Celtic Under Postecoglou
While the call to replace Ange Postecoglou may seem premature to many, it’s a valid discussion given the evolving challenges facing Celtic. His tactics have brought success, but as the landscape of European football continues to shift, Postecoglou may need to adapt or risk becoming a one-dimensional manager who struggles when faced with the best.
Celtic fans will hope that Postecoglou can evolve his tactics and find ways to navigate the more challenging aspects of European football. If he does, he will undoubtedly cement his place in Celtic history. If not, the future of Celtic under his management could be in doubt, and the board may eventually have to make a difficult decision.