Four defeats in a row

[Bassim]

Have I made any mistakes?

Four defeats in a row has taken away the manager's and his team's self-confidence. Nick Banks admitted honestly for journalists that although his team is a strong as a collective, his players lack individual qualities that you can find in the top three teams. If the club want better results, they have to invest more in the players and infrastructure.

 

[teechar]

Nick Banks admitted honestly for journalists that although his team is a strong as a collective, his players lack individual qualities

Those parts need fixing.

 

[Bassim]

I am wondering if "collective" can be used in my sentence. Should I maybe use "group" instead?
Would this version be OK?

Nick Barns admitted honestly to journalists that although his team is strong as a group, his players lack individual qualities that you can find in the top three teams.

 

[teechar]

I prefer "as a group" or "collectively". The preposition is correct.