Why Celtic’s showing against Atlanta wasn’t a consequence of system change

By Andrew H Smith

Folk have been getting their knickers in a right twist - losing their shape, even - over how Celtic’s courageous scoreless draw to Atalanta in Bergamo was borne of a cautious game plan a world apart from the gung ho misadventures that resulted in their 7-1 drubbing away to  Borussia Dortmund. And this, dear friends, is a classic example of what could be called result confirmation bias.

Brendan Rodgers stated before both Champions League examinations that the stated aim was for his team to be compact and seek to provide a threat. That strategy (half) worked in Italy and failed abjectly in Germany not because Celtic suddenly, and deliberately, retreated into their shells. The contrast in the outcomes was down to other, more prosaic, factors. They defended far more stoically against last season’s Europa League winners than in Germany. Meanwhile, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side did not exhibit the explosiveness, naked pace, or efficiency that sent Celtic into a tailspin the other week. On an occasion when they had brains for broken biscuits through finding themselves 3-1 down inside half an hour, and 5-1 down before the interval. Moreover, against Atalanta, Rodgers’ men did not suffer the misfortunes that imperilled them in the Westfalstadion. There was no unintentional touch to result in the concession of an early penalty, or deflection shortly afterwards to send a thumping drive looping over Kasper Schmeichel.