BBC pundit Michael Stewart has said that the biggest reason that the team have struggled this season is due to the lack of the first team spine. In Saturday afternoon’s win over St Johnstone, Celtic had injuries to first-team options like Callum McGregor, Maik Narwocki, Luis Palma and Liam Scales, with consistent absences throughout the season.
Speaking to BBC before the game, Stewart highlighted that losing that core has plagued the Celtic manager from replicating the style of his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou.
“For me, the biggest difference from last season is that the spine of the team has been missing. That is it.
“I mean, Brendan Rodgers, for me, wants to play football the same way as Ange Postecoglou.
“There might be the odd nuanced difference here and there, but nothing that would mark a significant difference with regards to how performances have been.”
Celtic v Aberdeen – Ange Postecoglou celebrates with the league trophy after the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Saturday May 27, 2023. Photo Andrew Milligan
After Ange’s side swept to a Treble last season, the Australian manager moved on to Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League. Not only did he leave but Portuguese attacker Jota went for £25m to Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Carl Starfelt to Celta Vigo and Aaron Mooy to retirement. These three players were key first team figures under Ange. The injury to Liel Abada, who recently departed to FC Charlotte in the MLS, also meant that a first team regular was out the picture.
Injuries and dodgy recruitment have hampered Celtic this season but the club find themselves ahead of Rangers, who have a game in hand today.