A pressing question….

[Tyler Durden]

If we’re to have any chance of success on Sunday we really need to have a game plan on pressing.

The recent game at Easter Road was a total shambles in the first half. Hibs seemed completely unwilling to press at all. Celtic are making more passes per game than just about anyone in Europe this season. They are going to dominate possession and that’s unavoidable.

But we need to have a plan for certain triggers on when to press them. For example we let their CBS have the ball but as soon as it goes to their midfield or a full back, we need to be in their faces and try to force them long. We also need to push up as a team and risk playing a fairly high line to support our press and stay compact.

I’ll be disappointed if the game starts and we’re using the Jack Ross tactic of sitting deep and letting them pass the ball with no pressure. That won’t work. Over to SDG and Eddie May for an actual gameplan.

[Jim44]

If we’re to have any chance of success on Sunday we really need to have a game plan on pressing.

The recent game at Easter Road was a total shambles in the first half. Hibs seemed completely unwilling to press at all. Celtic are making more passes per game than just about anyone in Europe this season. They are going to dominate possession and that’s unavoidable.

But we need to have a plan for certain triggers on when to press them. For example we let their CBS have the ball but as soon as it goes to their midfield or a full back, we need to be in their faces and try to force them long. We also need to push up as a team and risk playing a fairly high line to support our press and stay compact.

I’ll be disappointed if the game starts and we’re using the Jack Ross tactic of sitting deep and letting them pass the ball with no pressure. That won’t work. Over to SDG and Eddie May for an actual gameplan.

Fair comment, TD. That’s our best chance of upsetting them. However, if we play that game, we’re likely be knackered after 70 minutes and probably let them in for a late winner, as is their want.

[Franck Le God]

Motherwell played an incredibly high line against them recently, sitting on the half way line at times. Celtic maybe weren’t at their best but they really struggled to break through.

It’s a risky approach though, only needs to go wrong once.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[B.H.F.C]

Fair comment, TD. That’s our best chance of upsetting them. However, if we play that game, we’re likely be knackered after 70 minutes and probably let them in for a late winner, as is their want.

Would rather we were knackered after 70 minutes with something to hold on to and/or play for than let them knock the ball around like the last game and the game be done and dusted.

Agree with the OP, you’ll beat this Celtic team by getting at them all over the pitch. If we sit back their middle three will kill us.

[wookie70]

If we’re to have any chance of success on Sunday we really need to have a game plan on pressing.

The recent game at Easter Road was a total shambles in the first half. Hibs seemed completely unwilling to press at all. Celtic are making more passes per game than just about anyone in Europe this season. They are going to dominate possession and that’s unavoidable.

But we need to have a plan for certain triggers on when to press them. For example we let their CBS have the ball but as soon as it goes to their midfield or a full back, we need to be in their faces and try to force them long. We also need to push up as a team and risk playing a fairly high line to support our press and stay compact.

I’ll be disappointed if the game starts and we’re using the Jack Ross tactic of sitting deep and letting them pass the ball with no pressure. That won’t work. Over to SDG and Eddie May for an actual gameplan.

Totally agree. Apart from anything else it gets the Hibs fans involved straight away. We did similar against the TheThes and it worked. Also get involved in a few decent challenges early on' Like Stokes in the Cup win, Hanlon crashing in in the semi it can unsettle the opposition and let them know you aren't there to lie down. If we play passively we will almost certainly lose but looking at Celtics last few results they aren't flying so we have a chance if we play well and get in their faces.

[PPZPOL]

The second half of the recent game at Easter Road against them is how we should have started the game. It was gone by then but at least we looked like we cared in that half.

The first half, especially first 30mins was absolute garbage.

[Bristolhibby]

Agree with the OP 100%. We have to be in their faces from the off. When we’ve beaten them recently it’s been relentless press and disruption.

Sit back and we are goosed.

It’s the only way to beat them. Plus as has been said it fair gees up the fans seeing players give it their all.

J

[gbhibby]

Under Lennon we pressed high taking risks at times at home against Celtic, it worked well. Sometimes Lewis was the player highest up the park. Don't want to see what we saw in the most recent match at Easter Road 3 min 25 seconds into the game before we touched the ball and then gave possession away right away. Need to press high and hunt in packs. Liked it in the semi final when Paul Hanlon put the tackle on Aribo lets them know that we mean business. Midfield is the crucial area and they will have to make sure there is support for the front two.
Time for Testicular Fortitude.

[Unseen work]

If it’s Turnbull up top I expect a relatively high game to make it compact and close as much space as possible.

In possession it will be quick balls in behind and crosses. Make them defend as they’re hopeless at it.

What needs to be kept in mind though is something Halliday mentioned about Hearts recent game against them. They went out to press them high but Celtic were just too quick and sharp in possession which pinned hearts back.

It’s easier said than done.

[greenlex]

I’d sit back first 45 defend like warriors and give them loads of the ball. Then press the **** out them second half. Mon the Rope a dopers.
was working till the two long ball howlers. Pesky kids.