Anthony Ralston Press Conference following Motherwell 2–0 Celtic.
Post-match reaction from Fir Park. The Celtic fullback was speaking to members of the assembled media.
How difficult an evening was that for you?
“Yeah, difficult. Obviously, as an individual and as a group of players, it’s not something that you’re willing to accept. Like I’ve said before though, we’re in a period now where we’ve got a game every three days. We know the game we’ve got at the weekend, so again we’ll take the time to analyse it, see where we could improve on in this particular game, especially the way Motherwell play. When we face that again, either against them or a different opposition, we need to get ourselves ready for a massive game at the weekend.”
You’ve said before you’re not willing to accept these performances, but it’s happened again. What needs to happen to turn this around?
“Togetherness. And we’ve got that togetherness as a team. We’ve had a lot of changes, players and staff, all within a season, in the middle of a very busy period. But we’ve got immense talent, immense experience, and above all else, our togetherness. That’s never going to fade or go away. Results haven’t fallen for us and we take onus on that, but it doesn’t need to turn around overnight.”
This is the biggest game of the season coming up on Saturday. Do you believe the same style, system and intent can work against Rangers?
“Aye. Just like I said, the togetherness we have isn’t going to change, and the talent in the changing room isn’t going to change. We’ve shown against Aberdeen and Livingston that there are periods where we play good football and create chances. We need to stop conceding goals, we know that. Whether that’s down to a change of shape or whatever, we need to sort it out. There are positives, but it’s not an acceptance of losing games, especially at a club like Celtic. That needs to change, and it needs to change quickly.”
As a senior player, do you find the change of shape confusing at all?
“No. As a footballer, especially at the highest level, you need to adapt, whether that’s personnel, systems, whatever it may be. You can’t put reasons down to a change of system or make excuses. At a top level you need to adapt as players and as a team, both defensively and offensively. It comes with challenges and it doesn’t happen overnight, but that’s football.”
Supporters watching tonight may have seen a disjointed performance. How do you arrest that slide?
“It’s not for me to sit here and say I have all the answers. What I can say is that we do have that togetherness as a unit and as a team. Especially in a period like this, that’s the most important thing, that you don’t become disjointed as teammates or within the club. That will stand us in good stead as we keep implementing what we’re being taught and told to do.”
How do you approach the weekend game, given Rangers could hurt you if you defend as openly as tonight?
“We approach it like any other game, but we understand the magnitude of it. Experienced players know what the game’s all about. We need to show fight, and I feel that fight has been there. When we have chances, we need to take them. As a collective unit, offensively and defensively, we need to tidy up a few things. But it’s a game we’re all very familiar with and we’ll be ready.”
Is this the toughest spell you’ve experienced at Celtic?
“You have ups and downs in your career all the time. It’s my job, along with the rest of the boys, to keep spirits as high as possible, show that togetherness, and go into the weekend ready to fight.”
The manager is under pressure. Are you backing what he’s trying to do?
“Yeah. Every day on the training pitch we’re trying to implement it and practise it. These things take time, and with games every three days it’s difficult, but there are no excuses in football, especially at a club like Celtic. We’re all trying to make it work as quickly as possible because we know what’s coming at the weekend.”
Do you share the optimism that this can turn around?
“Yeah. It’s our job to create the most positive atmosphere we can. We understand the difficulties, but there are no excuses. At Celtic, you win and you bring success. There’s no other way around it.”
Featured image: “Anthony Ralston” by Keiteay is marked with CC0 1.0.
Callum McFadden 