Ange’s great work in attack still being undermined by basic defensive errors

ANGE POSTECOGLOU deserves kudos for the way he set up his stall in Seville. The Celtic manager has a clear vision for the identity of his team. They are all in.

Despite having so many key players missing for the Europa League opener against Real Betis, he refused to send his side out to defend.

Celtic turn up and throw the dice. They say this is us and they won’t change for anybody.

That’s difficult for the opposition to deal with and we’ve heard from within Real Betis that they were surprised by how Celtic approached the game.

They were confident and brave and got themselves two goals in front. It’s great to see a manager have that confidence in his team. But individual errors, basic defensive mistakes, can undermine that positivity.

Attacking-wise, Celtic are showing a real swagger and ability to score against the vast

majority of opposition. But for all the good work on Thursday, they lost the game 4-3. You can’t always outshoot the opposition.

Effectively, they are operating with a completely new back five, with Cameron Carter-Vickers the latest new arrival alongside Carl Starfelt, Josip Juranovic and goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Anthony Ralston barely played last season, so he’s like a new signing, too. That’s the reason they are not so tight. It’s important they improve that.

It might also help the defence if James McCarthy can get up to speed. Callum McGregor does a lot of his best work in the opposition half. He can start moves and knit it together as a No 6. For me, though, McCarthy is probably better suited to that role.

He has the ability and composure to play there, allied to a defensive edge. His lack of games in the past wee while is the issue. If Celtic can keep him fit, he would be brilliant in that role.

Celtic will need all of their bravery to end their poor run at Livingston today. A priority will be to keep Livi out of their box in open play. It’s also imperative they stand up to set-plays as Livi will try to put the ball in there.

The addition of Hart has improved them in defending corners and free-kicks but opposing managers will see that fragility and it’s something Davie Martindale has been able to exploit in the past.

Celtic fans can be encouraged and excited by what they are getting from their manager so far.

I think it will do wonders for their confidence if they can go to Livingston, get a clean sheet and come away with the victory.