Thought I’d try to compile the bits I’ve read and watched in the past few days about Postecoglou’s Celtic setup, and figure out how it might work out for Spurs’ current squad.
Disclaimers: apologies, there are some “modern football terms" in here like “half-space." Also, I’m aware Postecoglou might change things up according to personnel.
The basics
Celtic set up in a 433, and a bit like City they morph into a 325 in possession . There’s a slight difference in how those strata are formed, though.
At City, the back 3 is formed of 3 defenders with one or even both full backs tucking in (Walker – Dias – Akanji, for example) and the midfield 2 is formed of Rodri plus Stones who steps out of defence into midfield. Meanwhile, the other two starting “midfielders" (Gundogan and De Bruyne) move forward to join the front 5.
At Celtic, the back 3 is instead formed of the two centre halves and the deep-lying midfielder. Meanwhile the full backs push inwards into the “half space", and so they form the 2 in the 325 shape. The front 5 is pretty similar, with two wingers staying wide, and two midfielders pushing up either side of the central striker.
Arguably Postecoglou's system is more of a 235, I suppose, as the deep midfielder could count as part of the defensive line or the midfield one.
Postecoglou’s Celtic side was based around relentless, quick attacking play. They have crazy high possession stats, but it’s not all sideways passing or tiki-taka. It’s high-intensity, non-stop attacking, moving the ball quickly with short passing, off-the-ball movement to open up space and vigorous counter-pressing to win the ball back once it’s lost. That means all players, from back to front, need to have high intensity levels and they especially need to be good at using the ball quickly within one or two touches.
Player roles
Keeper – the modern sweeper-keeper. Postecoglou plays a very high line and wants to get up the pitch quickly so the keeper needs to be sharp at coming off his line to sweep, and good at releasing the ball quickly to start attacks.
Centre backs – these guys need to be fairly quick and snappy in the tackle, as well as relatively decent at using the ball under pressure because Postecoglou won’t let them sit on the ball for long periods of slow build-up.
Full backs – these guys play a fairly unique role in that they push inside and past the midfield line into those “half-spaces". They need to be midfield playmakers as well as lung-busters who cover lots of ground.
Deep-lying midfielder – this guy will see a lot of the ball and be expected to progress play forwards quickly, often in tight spaces. This guy sits quite central and deep though for the most part so maybe one of the less physically demanding roles in the side.
Central midfielders – these guys are auxiliary strikers who need to be able to press hard, get forwards quickly and keep the ball moving in congested areas.
Wingers – these guys stay high and wide, like City’s wingers too. Obviously they need to pose a goal threat, but my understanding is that at Celtic the wingers hugged the touchlines first and foremost to pull opposition defences wider.
Striker – I’ve seen Kyogo referred to as the “sacrificial lamb" in Celtic’s system – he doesn’t see a great deal of the ball in build-up, a bit like Haaland, but with good movement and sharp finishing he’s there to finish chances more than creating them. This seems to be a fairly old-school “pure #9" poacher role, albeit he also needs to be very involved in the first line of pressing. High energy levels required.
How this fits Spurs’ squad
Keeper – a new signing is required. Forster isn’t agile enough to sweep and Lloris is terrible at distribution. Lloris is off anyway. Specialist needed.
Centre backs – Romero fits the bill perfectly, and I say that as someone who doesn’t rate him as highly as some do. Every other centre half is either too slow in the tackle or not good enough at quick, short passing. Definitely one major signing needed, possibly two.
Full backs – Udogie could be a real surprise package here as my understanding is that his speciality at Udinese has been underlapping offensive runs – he might be a perfect fit. Emerson could potentially do the job since he’s useless in attacking wide areas but decent at using the ball centrally. Perisic might work but noises are he’s off anyway. Spence might develop into this role possibly. Not sure I see a role for Sessegnon (poor on the ball) or Davies (not dynamic enough). Probably a new signing needed but arguably not top priority as Postecoglou might be able to shift roles around to accommodate the players he has.
Deep-lying midfielder – I don’t think any Spurs player fits this brief fully. Bissouma is probably closest, but it would be waste of his box-to-box abilities asking him to stay deep – just like it would for Bentancur or Ndombele. I don’t think Hojbjerg or Skipp is press-resistant enough, or good enough at progressive passing, for this role. An outside bet would be Harry Winks, who was actually a pretty good match for this role when he first broke through...
Central midfielders – I think Hojbjerg will be used here for lack of alternatives, but I think he’d become a weak link quite fast because he’s horrible at quick interplay in tight spaces and he’d probably lose the ball a lot. Bentancur would be brilliant here but who knows when he’ll be fit. Ndombele and Lo Celso have the skillset but probably not the fitness or mentality. Bissouma might work but might be needed in the deep role instead. To be honest, this is probably Kulusevski’s best spot in this setup given I don’t think he’s best staying wide. I think this is a priority area for at least one new signing.
Wingers – I think Porro is perfect for the right wing slot. He loves getting wide, he plays at a frantically high pace and he has great ball skills and delivery. Son I’m less sure about because I don’t think wing play is really his strength – he wants to get inside and play as a secondary striker. Kulusevksi I don’t think fits this role. Richarlison definitely doesn’t. Potentially a new signing needed for left wing at least. EDIT: I forgot Bryan Gil. This could be the making of him, potentially...
Striker – I hate to doubt a player of Harry Kane’s ability but he doesn’t comfortably sit in this box. He’s far too keen to get involved in build-up, and frankly his link play is far too good to waste anyway. He’d arguably be better in one of the central midfield roles in this setup, but I’m not sure he’s quick enough or good enough at pressing. I think Son is a much better fit for the Kyogo role if that’s what Postecoglou wants to go with. Richarlison could work too since he’s a very solid pressing forward but he doesn’t guarantee goals.
Summary
Big summer ahead. The squad as it is doesn’t fit Postecoglou’s Celtic system well on the whole – I reckon there’s 4 or 5 new players needed as a minimum, so either he needs to mix up his system or a *lot* of player turnover needs to happen. Encouragingly, major squad overhaul is exactly what he did at Celtic and his previous clubs, so hopefully Daniel Levy gets on board with the idea (yeah, I know).
I think we also need to get used to the fact that the first several months could be rough while new ideas bed in. This squad has become stale, jaded and entrenched in slow defensive football – the exact opposite of Postecoglou’s system. It will take a lot of work, new faces and time for it to come good. But by all accounts, it’ll be well worth it in the end when Spurs are once again a high-octane madhouse of attacking football.
Thanks for coming to my TED talk.
Taking a look at Ange's tactics
posted on 7/6/23
comment by Bãleš left bootecoglou (U22081)
posted 8 minutes ago
I'm not sure that will go well with fans and Ange getting the time to even finish in those places...
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I'm pretty confident that given the context he'll get time and patience. With Newcastle doing their thing the board will know that top 4 will be tough. And we've had to put up with pragmatic, low block football for so long, us fans will be happy enjoying football for a season or two.
And as much as you're right we're missing some specialist players, it's certainly not uneasonable that we'll source them this summer.
With Ange hired I'm even more glad we're not in the Europa or Conference so he'll be able to focus on league performances with just the odd cup game to try things out.
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It's tricky to compare, but Erik at Utd also had a very daunting job and he needed a near miracle to get them where they are now.
The Ronaldo situation was almost as bad as the Kane-saga for a new manager to handle and could blow up confidence in the squad/fans no matter what you decide to do.
So Ange needs to have a similar storming 6 months and I can't see it going well every time...
posted on 7/6/23
comment by Magnum (2 in a row easy) (U22391)
posted 42 minutes ago
comment by Thisishardcore (U9121)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by Magnum (2 in a row easy) (U22391)
posted 42 seconds ago
comment by LogieB... (U8397)
posted 22 minutes ago
Hatate is an all-round midfielder, technically brilliant and great at creating space for himself. He has great vision, as well as taking a pass in tight spaces.
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Agreed. He's one of the few guys in that team who could play at any level and not look out of place.
More than held his own against RM. Brilliant player.
I'm not telling them who the other ones are!
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Hatate isn’t a patch on McCarthy, that’s the kind of player Spurs need if they really want to challenge again
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I'd normally agree with this approach but I think Ange might know otherwise!
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No, McCarthy is nicely secured on a long term contract
posted on 7/6/23
comment by Lerradinho (U21557)
posted 35 minutes ago
comment by Bãleš left bootecoglou (U22081)
posted 8 minutes ago
I'm not sure that will go well with fans and Ange getting the time to even finish in those places...
---
I'm pretty confident that given the context he'll get time and patience. With Newcastle doing their thing the board will know that top 4 will be tough. And we've had to put up with pragmatic, low block football for so long, us fans will be happy enjoying football for a season or two.
And as much as you're right we're missing some specialist players, it's certainly not uneasonable that we'll source them this summer.
With Ange hired I'm even more glad we're not in the Europa or Conference so he'll be able to focus on league performances with just the odd cup game to try things out.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's tricky to compare, but Erik at Utd also had a very daunting job and he needed a near miracle to get them where they are now.
The Ronaldo situation was almost as bad as the Kane-saga for a new manager to handle and could blow up confidence in the squad/fans no matter what you decide to do.
So Ange needs to have a similar storming 6 months and I can't see it going well every time...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeah definitely tricky to compare. For Varane read Dier. For Hojbjerg, Casemiro. I wouldn't call getting decent results from the team he has there a miracle.. And the Ronaldo situation was pretty different - he was bleeding them of massive money while not performing.
I actually think Ange's biggest test will be the defence, CBs obviously, but getting our assortment of wing backs to work. And really that will be addressed in large part by the team playing on the front foot. Effective pressing and higher possession should reduce the strain on worse defenders though it will make errors more obvious.
posted on 7/6/23
comment by LogieB... (U8397)
posted 3 hours, 52 minutes ago
comment by AmAngeda Postecogginkiss (U11574)
posted 44 minutes ago
I'm just glad Celtic fans seem to be verifying that I'm not talking complete booollocks in the OP
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tbf, it is a very good post
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Yep, very good OP.
One thing I’d add about Ange’s expectations of his wingers … if the ball’s out left, the right winger better be getting himself to the far post looking to score, and vice versa for the left winger if the ball’s wide right.
posted on 7/6/23
comment by Magnum (2 in a row easy) (U22391)
posted 56 minutes ago
comment by Thisishardcore (U9121)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by Magnum (2 in a row easy) (U22391)
posted 42 seconds ago
comment by LogieB... (U8397)
posted 22 minutes ago
Hatate is an all-round midfielder, technically brilliant and great at creating space for himself. He has great vision, as well as taking a pass in tight spaces.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agreed. He's one of the few guys in that team who could play at any level and not look out of place.
More than held his own against RM. Brilliant player.
I'm not telling them who the other ones are!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hatate isn’t a patch on McCarthy, that’s the kind of player Spurs need if they really want to challenge again
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'd normally agree with this approach but I think Ange might know otherwise!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 7/6/23
comment by Dave The Jackal (U22179)
posted 49 minutes ago
comment by Magnum (2 in a row easy) (U22391)
posted 56 minutes ago
comment by Thisishardcore (U9121)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by Magnum (2 in a row easy) (U22391)
posted 42 seconds ago
comment by LogieB... (U8397)
posted 22 minutes ago
Hatate is an all-round midfielder, technically brilliant and great at creating space for himself. He has great vision, as well as taking a pass in tight spaces.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agreed. He's one of the few guys in that team who could play at any level and not look out of place.
More than held his own against RM. Brilliant player.
I'm not telling them who the other ones are!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hatate isn’t a patch on McCarthy, that’s the kind of player Spurs need if they really want to challenge again
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'd normally agree with this approach but I think Ange might know otherwise!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If they dare come near Ralston or Forrest I’ll burn this place to the ground.
posted on 7/6/23
comment by Thisishardcore (U9121)
posted 27 minutes ago
comment by Dave The Jackal (U22179)
posted 49 minutes ago
comment by Magnum (2 in a row easy) (U22391)
posted 56 minutes ago
comment by Thisishardcore (U9121)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by Magnum (2 in a row easy) (U22391)
posted 42 seconds ago
comment by LogieB... (U8397)
posted 22 minutes ago
Hatate is an all-round midfielder, technically brilliant and great at creating space for himself. He has great vision, as well as taking a pass in tight spaces.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agreed. He's one of the few guys in that team who could play at any level and not look out of place.
More than held his own against RM. Brilliant player.
I'm not telling them who the other ones are!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hatate isn’t a patch on McCarthy, that’s the kind of player Spurs need if they really want to challenge again
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'd normally agree with this approach but I think Ange might know otherwise!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If they dare come near Ralston or Forrest I’ll burn this place to the ground.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Indeed. Worry about Turnbull being enticed away as well, with only 1 year left.
posted on 7/6/23
https://windycoys.com/2023/06/squad-rebuild/
^fair bit of overlap with what I've said here, some different opinions, all good stuff
posted on 7/6/23
I do think I've slept on Sarr a bit. Think he could end up as the deep lying mid. He has the profile for it to be fair.
posted on 7/6/23
comment by Thisishardcore (U9121)
posted 1 hour, 20 minutes ago
comment by Dave The Jackal (U22179)
posted 49 minutes ago
comment by Magnum (2 in a row easy) (U22391)
posted 56 minutes ago
comment by Thisishardcore (U9121)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by Magnum (2 in a row easy) (U22391)
posted 42 seconds ago
comment by LogieB... (U8397)
posted 22 minutes ago
Hatate is an all-round midfielder, technically brilliant and great at creating space for himself. He has great vision, as well as taking a pass in tight spaces.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agreed. He's one of the few guys in that team who could play at any level and not look out of place.
More than held his own against RM. Brilliant player.
I'm not telling them who the other ones are!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hatate isn’t a patch on McCarthy, that’s the kind of player Spurs need if they really want to challenge again
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'd normally agree with this approach but I think Ange might know otherwise!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If they dare come near Ralston or Forrest I’ll burn this place to the ground.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
🤣🤣🤣