26 May 2025 10:23:23
I see KT signed off at the Gunners with a goal, and a start at left centre back, which at times was the left side of a back 3. Which made me think what a fine back 3 Johnston, CCV and KT would make for next season in certain (probably most SPL) games. But is BR brave enough to go 3,5,2, particularly in games where the low block is stifling our wingers (as per cup final) and we should change it by firing more balls into the box for 2 strikers to get on the end of?
26 May 2025 12:33:03
I've said, like a few of the posters on here, switching to a 3 at the back could get results in certain games.
The two issues we have, (1) BR hasn't been prepared to change to test system when needed (3) I can see CCV leaving in the summer window.
☘️ ☘️ ☘️.
{Ed007's Note - 3-5-2 is one of the easiest formations to counter against and if it was AJ, CCV & KT we would have one CB over 6ft in CCV by an inch who isn't very good in the air. I would rather see us go back to 4-2-3-1 with CalMac & Engels in the double pivot and a proper CAM in the team.}
26 May 2025 14:19:19
Although 3-5-2 has it's advantages, I agree we don't have enough height between that particular three and anyway the manager is very set in his ways and formation, even when it clearly isn't working.
26 May 2025 15:36:14
AJ isn't a CB for a start! Agreed ED 4231 is the best formation there is imo.
{Ed007's Note - Wow! We've actually agreed on something - I'm away for a lie down ???
26 May 2025 15:36:38
We won the league and a cup playing that system, so you cannot say I doesn't work but I agree, he needs to be able to change things around when you come up against a back 10 like we did at the weekend.
A big powerful centre forward backed up by a poacher may work, . oh wait a minute we started with Idah and Maeda and it didn't work.
We just needed to move the ball a lot quicker to move them to make space and we didn't. The players have to take responsibility for that.
26 May 2025 16:33:08
Rogican, of course a back 3 is a possible formation, however if we were to play a back 3 of Johnston, CCV and Tierney would be too small and would face a severe bombardment in the air .
26 May 2025 19:47:49
It isn’t easy been manager of Celtic . It can’t be easy keeping the Board happy so that they continue to release funds to bolster our playing squad, without keeping our mad supporters some think that BR is very set in his ways and formation even when it is clearly not working .
I might be daft but winning 4 of the last 6 Domestic trophies and a very good improvement in Europe, doesn’t appear to be not working to me .
27 May 2025 10:22:48
I can't see Brendan shifting from his 4-3-3 as it is well suited to pressing and possession.
27 May 2025 12:57:59
All good points guys. The main point behind my post is that imo Brendan has to be a bit more creative in some games and change it up a tad, particularly during games where plan A is not working as normal. The occasional substitution that changes the shape and system might be worth a try ?.
27 May 2025 14:32:09
Rogic an, Your suggestion may be worth a while., on the other hand BR’s idea of bringing on a similar player who has more energy may make the desired change . Managers probably are aware of various ideas of how to use substitutes. I am sure BR is no different.