'It needs to change' - Ralston admits Celtic haven't adapted to Nancy amid wretched run

LONG WALK: Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy (centre) after the final whistle of the William Hill Premiership match at Fir Park, Motherwell. Pic: Steve Welsh/PA Wire

Celtic defender Anthony Ralston acknowledged the players had to adapt quickly to Wilfried Nancy's tactical demands and not use the change of shape as an excuse for their collapse in form.

The Hoops suffered their fifth defeat in the first seven games of Nancy's reign when they lost 2-0 at Motherwell on Tuesday.

The William Hill Premiership champions were outplayed by a Motherwell team who have fully bought into manager Jens Berthel Askou's transformation.

In contrast, the Celtic players looked disjointed and frustrated as they struggled in Nancy's 3-4-3 formation, which has left them looking fragile at the back.

Celtic have conceded 15 goals under Nancy, while Ralston and fellow defenders Auston Trusty and Liam Scales were all booked at Fir Park as they appeared to take out their frustrations on the home players.

Nancy's decision to immediately introduce a new system appears to have backfired and defeat by Rangers on Saturday could leave him at major risk of losing his job already.

Ralston had the unenviable task of facing the media at Fir Park and was keen to stress the "togetherness" of the players "We've had a lot of changes, a group of players, staff included, all within a season, in the middle of a very busy period," said the right-back, who has featured in the back three in recent matches.

"But we, as a team, have got immense talent, we've got immense experience and above all else, our togetherness.

"That's never going to fade, that's never going to go away.

"The togetherness that we have as a group isn't going to change come the weekend and the talent we have in the changing room isn't going to change come the weekend.

"We've shown against Aberdeen and the Livingston game as well, periods through the game where we are playing good football and we're creating chances.

"We need to stop conceding goals, we know that. Whether that's down to change of shape or whatever, we need to sort that out.

"But in terms of an overall aspect of the game, there are positives to take away. But there's not an acceptance of losing games, especially at a club like Celtic. So that needs to change - it needs to change quick."

When asked if he had found the change of shape confusing, the 27-year-old said: "As a footballer at any club, especially at the highest level, you need to adapt to a change of system.

"Whether that's personnel, system, whatever it may be, you need to adapt to that.

"So you can't put the reasons down to a change of system or give excuses for that. Because at a top level, you need to be able to adapt as players, as a team and as a unit, both defensively and offensively.

"So no, I don't use that as an excuse.

"Don't get me wrong, it comes with its challenges, you need to adapt. Like I'm saying, it doesn't happen overnight.

"But that's football, changes happen and you need to adapt."

Ralston insisted the players would be ready for the challenge of facing Rangers.

"We understand the magnitude of the game," the Scotland international said. "We have experienced players in the dressing room who know what the game's all about and we'll be ready."

PA