Martin O'Neill, the Celtic manager, has made some strategic changes to his team lineup for his return to the helm. In a bold move, O'Neill has opted for a 4-3-3 formation, a change from the 3-4-2-1 formation previously attempted by his predecessor, Wilfried Nancy. This decision marks a return to the style of play that O'Neill employed during his previous interim spell with the club.
One of the key changes is the inclusion of new January signing, Julian Araujo, in the starting eleven as a right-back. Araujo's energy and strength, as described by O'Neill, are expected to provide a boost to the team's performance. Additionally, Liam Scales, Reo Hatate, and Sebastian Tounekti, who recently returned from the AFCON, have also been recalled to the starting lineup.
O'Neill's selection of Araujo is not without controversy. Some may argue that it is a case of 'round pegs for round holes', suggesting that players should be comfortable in their preferred positions. However, O'Neill defends his decision, explaining that players should be adaptable and able to adjust to new roles. He believes that while players have favorite positions, they can still make adjustments when needed.
The manager's focus remains on strengthening the squad, especially in the center-forward position, as the January transfer window is in full swing. Celtic is actively seeking reinforcements to bolster their lineup, recognizing the intense schedule their players have been facing, with a heavy workload in European football and league games.
In response to the question of when these additions can be expected, O'Neill hints that the need for reinforcement is obvious, and he is confident that the club will address these positions in the near future.
