Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has made his own adjustments at Parkhead since returning to the club last summer.
From a tactical perspective, the Hoops have transitioned to a side that patiently probes to try and open up space behind, which has taken a slightly different form from Ange Postecoglou’s previous system based on direct penetration and isolating the wide areas as a main reference point.
Nevertheless, Celtic have scored 31 goals in their last ten matches across all competitions, an indication that Rodgers’ men are finally blossoming in the final third.
Of course, a lot of hard work off the ball goes into being a dominant outfit, with pressing efficiently and recovering possession swiftly key to establishing a stranglehold over proceedings.
Earlier in the campaign, there were times when Celtic struggled to replicate this intensity; however, key players such as Reo Hatate, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Daizen Maeda have spent time on the sidelines, and all three are critical players to Rodgers’ system.
There are plenty of lessons and improvements for the Bhoys to take forward into next season; nevertheless, there is a good chance we could look back on 2023/24 with fond memories, should the Irishman manage to see a domestic double over the line.
Brendan Rodgers on the demands he sets at Celtic
Every manager has their preferred mode of operation, and in Rodgers’ case, his career achievements back up the notion that there would be few coaches around that are better placed to help Celtic progress domestically and in Europe.
Speaking to Celtic TV, the 51-year-old cited four main obligations his side must follow to be successful during his reign: running, penetrating the opposition, pressing and counter-pressing.
Intriguingly, the Irishman eluded to the Bhoys’ collective synchronisation against Heart of Midlothian last weekend as an ideal example of his vision that can serve as a blueprint moving forward.
He stated (on the Hearts game): “It’s not a choice. It’s an obligation and what you have to do. We are a running team, and when we run and penetrate, press and counter-press, that’s our game. When we take our game to that level, we play the game to a good level.
“That was the pleasing aspect, that defensive pressure. We were playing a good Hearts team who have done very well this season. They like to build the game to build through the pitch, and they’ve got some dangerous players. But I felt after that first 20 minutes or so; we got our pressing right.
“Everyone collectively was synchronised and moving together with and without the ball. That culminates in a good performance.”
Celtic have found a new identity under Brendan Rodgers
Most Celtic fans will admit it took time for their side to adjust to a new way of working this season, and plenty of performances earlier on did feel like they were missing a key ingredient.
Nevertheless, Rodgers has made his side a consistent force at the business end of the campaign, having won seven of their last eight fixtures. The outlier was drawn last month at Ibrox under difficult circumstances.
The Glasgow Derby will be another acid test to see how far Celtic have come; however, seven points from a possible nine have been gleaned by the Irishman, who will have an expectant support backing the side to the hilt this weekend.