Scott Allan has pinpointed a lack of physical strength as Celtic's biggest weakness after three consecutive defeats in eight days. The former Parkhead midfielder said the team was outmuscled by Rangers and LASK, raising questions about their approach as they prepare for a demanding October schedule.
Celtic sit first in the Premiership with 18 points from seven games, but their recent form shows three straight losses. They fell 3-0 at Ibrox on September 13, lost 1-3 at home to Ferencvarosi TC in the Champions League on September 17, and were beaten 0-1 by Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, with Ryan Naderi scoring the only goal.
Tactical shift and its failure
Allan criticised the team for abandoning their usual 4-3-3, wing-based identity in the second Old Firm game. He said Celtic looked to go more direct against Rangers' 3-5-2 formation, but the change yielded no improvement in performance or result. "The first win was a real statement from Rangers and gave them belief that, physically, they have got Celtic's number," Allan said.
He noted that Rangers looked comfortable in second gear during the second half of the league game and were unfortunate not to be two or three goals better off across the two meetings. Allan stated that Celtic could not lay a glove on their rivals in that second period.
Physical and mental shortcomings
The physical issue was not isolated to the derby. Allan said LASK also demonstrated a clear superiority over Celtic in that department. When physically outmatched, he argued, Celtic must improve their ball play to counter aggression and pressure. A lack of belief was evident among players and in the stadium during key moments of the recent defeats.
Allan, who won a Premiership title with Celtic in 2015-16, acknowledged fan frustration with manager Martin O'Neill. He said supporters want better performances from the man in charge. O'Neill received emphatic backing from the Celtic board after the trio of defeats, and Allan said he was not surprised by the manager's emotional reaction or his doubts about the future.
The former midfielder defended O'Neill's right to feel emotional and reflected on the stark contrast with the optimism of just three weeks prior. He pointed out that winning games, even when not playing brilliantly, puts a team in the right direction.
Despite the recent slump, Celtic remain two points clear at the top of the table with a goal difference of plus ten, having scored 14 and conceded four. Top scorer C. Durán has three goals in seven appearances this season. The immediate task is to end the losing streak when they travel to face ninth-placed Motherwell on October 11. The team's current squad status and injury news are always available on our squad page.
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