Chris Sutton has expressed strong criticism of Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy following the team’s disappointing 3-1 loss to Rangers in the Old Firm derby. This defeat marks the sixth loss in eight games for Nancy, raising doubts about his future at the club.
Celtic’s Struggles and Nancy’s Press Conference
In his first encounter with the Old Firm rivalry, Nancy had called for patience and assurance from the club after a poor start at Celtic Park. Despite a leading goal from Hyun-Jun Yang in the first half, Celtic couldn’t maintain their advantage, with Rangers scoring three unanswered goals to secure victory.
Major Events of the Match
- Celtic took the lead with a goal from Hyun-Jun Yang.
- Rangers responded, scoring three goals through Youssef Chermiti (two goals) and Mikey Moore.
- This defeat interrupted a 152-match home league streak where Celtic scored first and failed to win.
- The result marks the first time since 2020 that Celtic lost back-to-back games against Rangers at home.
Calls for Reflection and Change
Following the match, protests from fans directed at the board highlighted dissatisfaction with the current management. Sutton has indicated that while Nancy isn’t solely culpable for Celtic’s decline, the club needs to take decisive action.
Sutton suggested that if Celtic continues to back Nancy as head coach, they must provide him with missing pieces, including a new goalkeeper and additional defenders. He acknowledged Nancy’s attempt to implement new strategies but stressed that the current approach needs reevaluation.
Reactions from Former Players
Kris Boyd, a former Rangers striker, believes that rather than dismissing Nancy, Celtic should exercise patience. He noted that player performance has also contributed to the situation, suggesting that the team has not responded well to Nancy’s management style.
Nancy’s Response and Outlook
Despite the ongoing struggles, Nancy remains committed to improving the team’s performance. He expressed confidence in his squad’s potential, stating, “We are really close to doing good things.” He urged everyone associated with the club to stay united and focused on turning the results around.
Conclusion
The defeat to Rangers poses a critical challenge for Wilfried Nancy and Celtic FC. With continued pressure from fans and critics alike, the coming weeks may determine Nancy’s fate, as questions regarding his management style and the need for squad reinforcements loom large.
