Could Celtic go back to 3-5-2 like 2003/2004?

Hi all,

Long time lurker here

First of all English is not my first language so apologize for any grammar mistakes. I am from Hamburg but love Celtic. :icon_mrgreen:

I watched Celtic since I was young but would love to know your opinion if Celtic signed the right players could they play 3-5-2 like their 2003/2004 season where they reached the UEFA Cup Final? Or is the modern formations such as 4-2-3-1 too overpowering for 3 center backs?

Also, can anyone shed some information of how Celtic used to play with their 3-5-2, was it long balls, what were certain players "roles" if that makes sense, were there any defining methods or strategies in that Celtic team that made them perform so well?

Any information would be great, sorry if this is not the right section.

HH

 

We're bad enough with 4 at the back nevermind 3

 

not when the back 3 would include ambrose and boyata

 

That would mean a change of plan so not while Ronnie is in charge

 

Found a good article that summed it up well:

A 3-5-2 could work in theory now, but Deila will never go for it.

 

Of course like I said in my post "If they signed the right players" could it be possible? Can anyone break down or explain how Celtic played with the 3-5-2? Their style of play?

 

Three big central defenders, two wingbacks/wingers, two holding/creative midfielders and a box to box midfielder (Petrov), two strikers

 

the main thing was we had 3 central defenders who would not be bullied by anyone, thats what we miss now he need a big solid hard * like bobo, the only thing that back 3 lacked was pace thats why that * lovenkrands had a good record against us

 

Any formation can work with the right players. I would love to see us go back to a 3-5-2 and strangely enough, was thinking about it after last nights defeat.

With the current players I don't think it would work though, mainly because our centre backs are pretty weak and we don't really have a holding midfield player in the squad.

 

It was also a versatile formation. For example if McNamara was wide right and we needed to switch to 4-4-2 he could have have dropped to RB and Valgaeren or Boyd (if he was playing) could switch from CB to LB.

 

That would mean us having Champions League class players.


Never gonna happen :smiley-laughing002:

 

need a change of manager to play that formation as ronnie likes is one forward up front

 

Ronny will play with 1 up front on Sunday. What chances do we have any other time.

 

Yes please, love a 3-5-2

 

I've been saying for years you can't play a 3-5-2 style of football with back four. What I mean is, if the full backs are expected to be wingers you need 3 CBs.

Last night we could have had
Gordon
Lustig. Eric, Boyata.
Tierney Biton Brown McGreggor Forrest/GMS
Griffiths Richards

With either Biton or Brown protecting the back 3.

More of a threat up front and more solid at the back.

 

Certainly not.

At the moment, we only have one centre half who I trust - and that's a guy who has only played twice.

A back 3 means Boyata or Efe are going to start every match so absolutely no chance.

 

Jesus i cant get that image out my head, that is a scary * thought to be honest

 

Keep in mind that the way we play at the moment with the full backs AWOL up the pitch half the time, it's like playing with two at the back! So three would be better

 

Dont think we have the players for it. O'Neill bought the players he needed that would suit his style of play and formation, something we haven't been doing under Ronny.

 

We would need to bring in the players that would fit that formation, dont fancy Ambrose in a back 3.