Ange Postecoglou’s huge mistake in Celtic loss vs Bodo/Glimt

Going into their UEFA Europa Conference League game against Bodo/Glimt, Celtic must have been quietly confident of their chances against the Norwegian champions. Ange Postecoglou’s side had been in incredible form and last tasted defeat back in November. On the other hand, the visitors were coming straight out of pre-season and a number of their key players had left over the past couple of months as well.

It was never going to be an easy tie considering the fact that Bodo/Glimt had defeated Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma 6-1 earlier in the season and drawn 2-2 with them away in Italy. But even then, Celtic were considered as the favourites.

The game proved to be a wake up call for Postecoglou’s side though as they were handed a 3-1 defeat at Parkhead by Bodo/Glimt and now face a mountain to climb away in Norway in the second leg.

Postecoglou has not gotten a lot wrong this season but it does feel like he got his selection wrong here. Starting Tom Rogic and Matt O’Riley together did not work out, while despite scoring on the night, Daizen Maeda did not look ready to lead the line. Giorgos Giakoumakis might have been a better pick. These decisions had a huge impact on the result.

Postecoglou made huge mistake in Celtic’s defeat vs Bodo/Glimt

These big games are often won by the side who win the midfield battle and it is safe to say that Celtic did not do that on this occasion. On the other hand, they were not clinical up front either while the defence left a lot to desired.

Results determine perception and on another day, if things turned out a bit differently, people might have viewed this as a good performance on the part of Celtic.

What is done is done though and the focus now must move towards the second leg. While Celtic’s backs are against the wall, this tie is not over yet.