As Celtic continues to evolve under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers, midfielder Matt O’Riley is relishing his new role within the team, which allows him greater involvement in both the attacking and defensive phases of play.

In a recent press conference, O’Riley delved into the tactical adjustments that Rodgers has implemented, particularly within the midfield structure, and how these changes are influencing his own contributions on the pitch.

“Tactically, we obviously play slightly differently within our midfield structure,” O’Riley explained on Celtic TV. “Also, with Kyogo coming a bit deeper at times, depending on how much pressure’s on the ball. For me personally, I’m probably slightly more involved at times in the build-up aspect, with obviously that license to get forward as well. So, I’ve probably got a little bit more freedom to kind of go down and up, which I enjoy doing.”

O’Riley, who has been a standout performer for Celtic this season, further elaborated on his enjoyment of this role, highlighting his appreciation for being involved in the development of play and his ability to read the game effectively.

“I quite like seeing the play develop and kind of reading the play,” he continued. “And I can kind of pick my moment to, you know, arrive in the box or maybe arrive in our defensive box as well to help out there.”

These insights from O’Riley offer a window into Rodgers’ tactical philosophy at Celtic. The manager is known for his flexible and adaptive approach, and it is clear that he is cultivating an environment in which players are encouraged to be tactically aware and versatile.

O’Riley’s comments suggest that Rodgers values players who can adapt to various situations within a game, contributing both offensively and defensively as needed.

This adaptability appears to be paying dividends for Celtic. Under Rodgers, the team has demonstrated a cohesive and fluid style of play, despite not being at their very best yet. Players, like O’Riley are thriving in roles that play to their strengths while also challenging them to expand their skill sets.