Celtic’s new management team have got off to the perfect start.
Martin O’Neill admitted to being extremely nervous when brought in to replace Brendan Rodgers on an interim basis.
Rodgers’ sudden resignation shocked everyone outside of the club, but if Dermot Desmond’s scathing statement is anything to go by, it didn’t surprise everyone in the building at Celtic Park.
For O’Neill and new assistant Shaun Maloney, the task has been simple: win. They managed to do this in impressive fashion in their first game against Falkirk, as well as Sunday’s 3-1 win over Rangers at Hampden.
Differences in their tactical approach have been noted and largely praised by fans. Maloney has now discussed them.
Shaun Maloney on Celtic’s tactical differences under Martin O’Neill
The Hoops’ style of play was criticised under Rodgers for being slow, pedestrian, turgid, et cetera.
From watching the games under O’Neill, it certainly looks like the team have been instructed to address these issues more than anything.
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With recent managerial experience at Hibernian and Wigan, Maloney has been brought to balance the finer tactical details, giving O’Neill his input on big decisions.
Discussing them on Celtic TV, Maloney revealed the biggest of the ‘slight’ tactical tweaks he has made since his move to become assistant manager.
He said: “We’ve made slight changes in terms of anything tactical. I mean really slight.
“Probably the biggest one is the mentality to try and hurt the team from behind, run more from the field and the wide players. “But again, these are things that sometimes you just have to remind them of.
“I’ve watched this team for four or five years and when they’re at their best, they’re a hell of a team.
“I don’t get too nervous. Even the Rangers game there on Sunday, I was fine. I think it felt different for Falkirk, just because of the 48 hours leading into it.
“It did feel different – it’s the club I’ve supported and came through at.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the staff. An unbelievable football structure here, that has made myself, Martin and Mark’s job a lot easier, so I enjoy the winning.”
Maloney was previously Player Pathways Manager, and it is in place for him to return to the role once a new permanent manager is appointed.
But if the team keeps getting results like they have been, the club might need a new Pathways Manager instead.
Shaun Maloney’s coaching experience before Celtic
Celtic were the club where Maloney’s coaching journey began, when he linked up with Rodgers to initially work with the club’s reserve side.
He initially joined Roberto Martinez’s coaching staff at Belgium on a job-sharing basis, before making the move permanently.
His first managerial role at Hibernian lasted just six months, after a poor run of form left the Hibees in the bottom six.
He then returned to Wigan, where he was a key player during his career. He stabilised the Latics over two years despite financial turbulence and points deductions, before being replaced by Ryan Lowe earlier this year.