KRISTOFFER Ajer has insisted that every player in the Celtic side must responsibility for the Parkhead club’s disappointing three game winless run.
Ajer’s fellow centre back Shane Duffy has been heavily criticised for his defensive displays this month and made a mistake before Aberdeen’s second goal in the 3-3 draw at Pittodrie yesterday.
But the Norwegian, who has been helpless to prevent the Scottish champions losing to Rangers and AC Milan at home this month, feels every one of Neil Lennon’s players is culpable for their poor form.
“We attack as team and we defend as a team,” he said. “It’s easy for people to single out players, but this is a team and it works both ways.
“We scored three goals collectively and we also conceded three at the other end, including two penalties, so it’s all a collective.”
Republic of Ireland internationalist Duffy and Uruguay cap Diego Laxalt have joined Celtic on loan from Brighton and AC Milan this season and are now regular starters.
However, Ajer feels there are no issues with communication which need to be overcome for the Glasgow club, who have conceded eight goals in three games, to get back to winning ways.
“We communicate great with each other,” he said. “We all know our jobs and where to be on the pitch so we don’t always have to talk to each other. You’ll hear guys like myself, (Scott) Broony and Cal (McGregor) out there so it’s not a problem.”
The defender was impressed with how Neil Lennon’s men fought back in the second-half on Sunday and nearly snatched victory thanks to Callum McGregor and Leigh Griffiths goals as well as a Ryan Christie penalty.
He is convinced that Celtic, who play Lille in the Europa League in France on Thursday night and then Aberdeen in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final on Sunday, are poised to get back to winning ways.
Ajer added: “There were a lot of highs and lows on Sunday. We were not happy, of course, when we came in at half-time a goal behind.
“We managed to turn it around with some magic from Cal, Tom (Rogic) and Griff. It was great to come back so obviously it was disappointing not to get the three points.
“I feel really confident. This is a squad full of winners who are not happy when we don’t get three points. Obviously we want to get back to winning games and hopefully we can do that soon.
“There’s been a few tough games and we’ve not got the results we wanted. But we know how quickly things can turn around and we are looking forward to Thursday.”
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