There is a freshness in the Celtic camp as they continue their pre-season preparations after returning from the summer break.
Some players have been on international duty with their respective countries: Alistair Johnston is still involved at Copa America; meanwhile, others have enjoyed some downtime after an eventful 2023/24 campaign.
Either way, Brendan Rodgers’ men have returned and are putting in the groundwork with the new season now fast approaching, where the aim will be to bring more silverware to Celtic alongside competing well on the continent.
Liam Scales was one of the surprise stories of last term, and he has now shed light on why the manager’s methods will benefit the Bhoys in their forthcoming quest for trophies.
Liam Scales lauds Brendan Rodgers’ tactical methodology:
Undoubtedly, it took a bit of time for Rodgers to efficiently implement his tactical framework at Celtic last season, which isn’t unusual, given the transition from Ange Postecoglou’s unique system.
Nevertheless, Scales believes the time spent by the manager putting his point across will benefit the Bhoys this campaign, with no adaptation period required this time around.
He stated [Celtic FC]: “With the manager coming in last season, he needed time to get his message across and get us working the way he wanted us to work.
“So now that he’s already had that, we won’t have to work on that as much this year and that’s going to benefit us. We can just go straight in, we know what we’re here to do and we want to do it.
“We finished the season strong, and we’ve been carrying on from that. He just wants the same sort of intensity, the same attitude from everyone and that’s what we’re going to do. We get a good pre-season and go on tour with a few friendly games, and we’ll all be fit and strong for the first week in August.”
Right now, the Celtic squad appear to be solely focused on pushing themselves in pre-season, which is often a trying time for footballers amid gruelling fitness and endurance work.
Nevertheless, Scales seems up for the challenge, knowing he has a starting slot to defend in the side despite the possibility of increased competition for his place.
Following his telling comments on Rodgers, internal figures at Lennoxtown appear to have a detailed understanding of the Irishman’s demands in and out of possession. This can only bode well in forthcoming friendly matches and for the season ahead.
Preparation and Focus:
Pre-season preparations are crucial for setting the tone of the campaign. The squad’s early return to training, especially with Rodgers having already laid down his tactical principles, suggests a smoother start to the season. The focus on fitness, endurance, and tactical drills will be essential as Celtic aim to hit the ground running.
Squad Dynamics:
The return of key players from international duties will strengthen the squad, providing Rodgers with a full roster to work with. Scales’ comments reflect a positive atmosphere within the team, with players understanding and buying into Rodgers’ philosophy.
Upcoming Challenges:
The upcoming friendly matches will be critical in fine-tuning the team’s tactics and building cohesion. As Celtic look to compete both domestically and in Europe, the blend of experienced players and new arrivals will need to gel quickly.
Celtic’s pre-season efforts, driven by a clear understanding of Rodgers’ tactical vision, promise a strong start to the campaign. With a focus on maintaining last season’s intensity and attitude, the Bhoys are poised to build on their previous successes and tackle the challenges ahead with confidence.