Benjamin Nygren has opened up about adapting to Wilfried Nancy’s new style of play at Celtic…
The new Celtic boss has implemented a unique 3-4-2-1 system since joining the Scottish champions from MLS side Columbus Crew at the start of December.
Nancy has overseen five matches, suffering four consecutive defeats before beating Aberdeen last Sunday at Celtic Park 3-1 courtesy of strikes from Nygren, Kieran Tierney and James Forrest.
The Frenchman has had heavy backlash around the system he has played with players featuring out of position with a lot of square pegs in round holes.
However, Celtic did look more competent last weekend against the Dons and in order for Nancy to build up a bank of credibility, the team needs to go on a considerable run as they attempt to chase Hearts.
Speaking at his media conference on Nancy’s new way of playing, Nygren said: “Obviously, the start hasn’t been as we wanted the last couple of games, even though I think every performance hasn’t been that bad.”
“I think we’ve created chances in some of the games and could have scored more goals as well, but especially the last game, I think, was very good – it was a very important win.”
“We just had to keep creating the chances to score the goals. That’s football – sometimes the keeper makes a save, and sometimes you miss – but it’s about creating more opportunities. The more you create, the higher the chance of scoring and winning.”
The Swedish internationalist added: “I’ve had a lot of managers who play in different ways, but I think in the end, it’s football. And I think it’s something maybe people around talk about more than I think about it – I don’t think it’s that big of a deal or that complicated.”
“It’s football; you can see it from so many perspectives. For example, the team I played in before, on paper we played 4-3-3, but in the game, you could say that we played a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2 or sometimes even two in the back when we pushed both wingbacks up, for example. So, how it is on the paper and in the actual game, I think, is very different, and you can see it from so many perspectives.”
“I’ve played in so many systems from when I was young — I think I’ve played all different systems: three-line, four-line, five-line – all of them! I’ve played so many positions, but in the end, it’s football—you move on the pitch, it’s about having chemistry with your teammates, and all of this. So, yeah, it’s not something I think of too much.”
Conor Spence
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Firstly RIP John Robertson .Next Nygrin looked comfertable inside he sees the space its who plays along side him Hatate or McGowan Hatate was dropped or injured he wasnt in squad against Aberdeen so McGown might hold his place he gives his all but bit greedy in front of goals id be happy they both have there good and bad but Hatate in form no contest will kenny get his hatrick hes inches away always there one goal could set this guy off
You can only coach players to a certain level and then there’s a point where you need to work out what’s best for the system. We need exceptional wide players with pace, delivery, ability to get forward and track back. That’s a niche position and for me none of the wingers at the club have it (for what Nancy is asking). Maybe AJ when he’s back, but even he doesn’t have elite pace.
McCowan simply doesn’t exert enough quality in a game when he starts, and I don’t know if that’s a mental block. He makes great runs and we all know he can finish. His composure in recent matches has left him.
Kenny is blowing bubbles in front of goal, and while he might start to score, and he might need a few goals to get that confidence bubbling (and I still believe there’s a good player there) we need to invest in a fit, confident, reliable finisher come January.
In fact the biggest area of concern is at the back. Only for pace. We keep getting hit on the counter, and any half decent side will get numerous chances against this system. Our pace at the back for defending counter attacks is awful. Finding a quality CB who has real pace within our budget is going to be very very difficult. Reliance on possession and winning the ball higher up the pitch won’t cut it in Europe, we’ll need speed at the back to avoid being rolled over. Just my thoughts.
NB John Robertson was a terrific player and held his own among that late 70s and early 80s Scotland side. Not many Scots score the winning goal in a European final. Or get a mention in a world cup song… rest in peace.