Tony Mowbray needs to change more than the players

Celtic's defeat at the hands of Rangers last Sunday was a hard one to take. Even at this stage of the season, everyone saw last weekend as a great opportunity to open up a decent gap on our closest rivals. And when we take into consideration that Rangers were down to the barebones on an already thin squad, it seemed like the perfect time to inflict further damage on a poor start to the season for the blue side of Glasgow.

Of course, things didn't work out as hoped. Defensive lapses from the visitors, a questionable (to say least) refereeing performance, and a dogged defensive display from the home team meant the Celtic players once more left Govan with nothing to show for their endeavours. Understandably, the fans are venting their frustration as Celtic once again finish second best to a poor Rangers team.

The manager needs to take heed of the indifferent start to the season. Tony Mowbray must learn lessons from the performances so far. No one is doubting the squad needs improving in key areas and he should be given time to address this, but there are fundamentals problems with the displays over the last few season which go beyond simply looking at the personnel. Mowbrays's side, like Strachan's before him, suffers from an imbalance which results in the team buckling when playing against tougher opposition. The best teams win when playing badly. Celtic at the moment struggle to win when they're good, even against supposedly inferior opposition.

So what's the problem with the shape? In short, there is an imbalance between workers and creators in the team in general and the midfield in particular. The typical Celtic 4-4-2 includes 2 attacking wingers, an attacking central midfielder (Brown) and one central midfield ball winner (N'Guemo). All four midfielders are very light weight, and the three attacking midfielders are not effective at winning balls when not in possession. As a consequence Celtic struggle to win the midfield battle in almost every game they play, and its only moments of individual quality which tends to carry them through against opposition that they more often than not fail to dominate. Admittedly Mowbray will normally stick an extra midfielder in against better opposition but this only tends to result in less potency up front. Celtic need to change their shape and fast. Can you think of any other team that plays with two old fashioned attacking wingers in a midfield four?

The first point that needs to be made is that Scott Brown is not suited to the key role of central midfielder. His best performances over the last few seasons have come as a right midfielder for Scotland and I truly believe this is his best role (this is also where he played for Hib's). In this position, the occasional missed tackles and forays too far up field that he is prone to are less likely to be punished. Here he can still provide the drive and creativity that is his strength whilst also bringing the defensive steel to the role that is currently lacking in this position.

Zheng Zhi and Barry Robson I feel could provide the power, passing ability and general all round effectiveness required in the central positions. Both are box to box players who will not be bullied by anyone and who will provide the work rate and goals currently lacking in this area of the park.

On the left side of midfield, either Maloney or McGeady would provide the necessary creativity required from deep. And by playing only one of them, it is possible to take away much of their defensive responsibilities and to allow them to operate further up the park. Play them to their strength rather than asking them to do a job which limits their effective-ness doing anything (i.e. defending or attacking). Celtic would now have them acting as an outlet for the team when turning defence into attack, a role that they are better suited to and excel in. Against better opposition, it may be necessary to add another worker or all-rounder in this area. However, against 80% of opposition, this set up would work very effectively.

It is important the manager keeps looking to improve the players currently at the team. But I think there is a lot more that could be achieved solely from reorganising the talent already in the side. Celtic pretty much always have enough quality to score at least one goal against any opposition. So surely a set up that will guarantee more clean sheets has got to be a winner.