James McFadden believes Celtic have shown major improvements at defending set-pieces since hiring Ange Postecoglou following their 3-2 Europa League win against Ferencvaros.
The former Scotland forward issued his glowing verdict while covering the game for BBC Sportsound (4/11, 21:39). Celtic opened the scoring in Hungary inside three-minutes with Kyogo Furuhashi breaking the deadlock from 12-yards out.
Ferencvaros drew level not long after when Oleksandr Zubkov’s cross deflected in off Josip Juranovic. But Filipe Jota restored the Bhoys lead before Liel Abada put distance between the Premiership giants and their hosts.
Only for Myrto Uzuni to score four-minutes from time to set up a nervy finish. Although the goal only proved to be a late consolation effort for the Green Eagles. For Celtic to stay third in Group G, but close the gap to second after leaders Bayer Leverkusen beat Real Betis.
Celtic also impressed McFadden with how Postecoglou’s side went about their defending at set-pieces against Ferencvaros. With the former Everton, Motherwell and St Johnstone star noting how the Hoops showed clear advances from previous campaigns.
“Celtic’s defending at set-pieces has been greatly improved this season,” McFadden said. “They look so much more comfortable compared to the past few seasons.”
Have Celtic improved set-piece defending under Postecoglou?
Postecoglou will be thrilled to see Celtic show improvements during his tenure, but their performance was not perfect against Ferencvaros. While the Bhoys’ work at set-pieces impressed McFadden, the Glasgow natives made mistakes that could have proved costly.
Celtic turned possession over in dangerous areas, leading to Juranovic’s unfortunate own goal and Uzuni’s late strike. Postecoglou will want to see the Hoops retain the ball much better in their upcoming fixtures. Especially if they are to surpass Real Betis or Leverkusen.
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