Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Macdonald

Bobby Petta suggests Brendan Rodgers tactical change for Feyenoord clash

Former Celtic winger Bobby Petta reckons Brendan Rodgers should change tactics against Feyenoord in the upcoming Champions League.

The Parkhead club travel to Rotterdam on matchday one of the group stage, and the 49-year-old, who played under Martin O'Neill for the Hoops, feels the Northern Irishman has to switch things up.

Petta reckons Rodgers must ditch his possession-bases style to get results in Europe.

He told the Sunday Post: " I would prefer to see Feyenoord having to work really hard for any goals they may score rather than being given gifts.

"So, I'd be really focused on the defensive side of the game and tell the players to send the ball long up the park. Don't always play out from the back.

"I want to see the Celtic team be as solid as possible, be really hard for the Feyenoord players to get behind them and be so tough to break down.

"Then, when the time is right, pick a moment and be explosive on the counter. Take Feyenoord by surprise and hurt them.

"One difference, maybe, to the tactics that will go in Celtic's favour this season is that Brendan does not demand the same high press as Ange [Postecoglou}.

"That can take its toll physically and maybe that's why Celtic conceded so many late goals in Europe last season. The players may have been exhausted.

"But, regardless of how good the players are on the night or what the manager does tactically, you need a big slice of luck at some stage in the game. Let's hope a little bit of fortune falls Celtic's way on Tuesday."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.