Celtic centre half Kristoffer Ajer admits he has to improve his set-piece defending after a disappointing display for Norway on Saturday.
The defender struggled in Norway’s 3-0 World Cup qualifier defeat against Turkey. His nightmare began when he headed the ball straight into the path of an unmarked Ozan Tufan, who drove the ball low into the bottom corner. Then Ajer’s misery was compounded as a miss timed header from a corner allowed Çaglar Soyuncu to head home Turkey’s second.
The 22-year-old admits that he has to improve for his country and pinpointed the poor showing from set-pieces. He told Norwegian outlet VG that the problems in the defeat were clear:
“Yes, when you are left after a match like this, it is easy to say. We let in three far too simple goals, and then you can not win football matches.
“I have to be better at the set piece. We need to be better at both of the other two goals. It is too weak.”
Norway boss Stale Solbakken defended Ajer’s display, remarking: “He (Ajer) had periods where it went well, and then there were situations where it did not go well. In situations where things are not going well, it must be the case that they cover for each other.”
It has been well documented that Celtic have conceded almost 50% of all goals from set-pieces this season. Ajer has been an ever-present at the back for the Bhoys and it appears the issue has spilled over to international football. Whoever takes over the reins at Paradise will have a big job on their hands to prevent these defensive lapses.
