Chris Sutton believes Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic departure was ‘inevitable’ following their defeat to Rangers, but insists the problems at the club run much deeper.
He’s been dismissed after losing six of his eight games in charge, with Saturday’s Old Firm collapse the final straw.
The Frenchman, who signed a two-and-a-half year deal, lasted just 33 days after the club’s form slumped dramatically after they had won seven of their eight games under interim manager Martin O’Neill.
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Watch the highlights from the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers.
Rangers are now level with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership with leaders Hearts six points ahead, but Sutton believes the decision to part ways with Nancy has boosted their chances of winning a fifth straight title.”Keeping Nancy in position would have been too much of a risk. He was a stickler, set in his ways,” the former Hoops striker told Sky Sports News.
“It’s a bit like the Ruben Amorim situation at Manchester United but over a shorter period.
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Celtic played a much higher defensive line under Wilfried Nancy, with the wing-backs among the furthest forward
“He was fixated on changing Celtic’s style, moving to a 3-4-3, playing one particular way. He just wasn’t adaptable and for Celtic to lose six and ship as many goals as they did – it was kamikaze stuff from Nancy.
“The game before Rangers, the Motherwell loss, the manner of the loss was humiliating.”A lot of Celtic fans thought at that moment it was time for Nancy to go. He took charge of the Rangers game and Celtic played well, but a theme of performances has been to play well in patches. They showed too much vulnerability.
Nancy’s results as Celtic manager
Celtic 1-2 Hearts – Scottish Premiership
Celtic 0-3 Roma – Europa League
St Mirren 3-1 Celtic – League Cup final
Dundee United 2-1 Celtic – Scottish Premiership
Celtic 3-1 Aberdeen – Scottish Premiership
Livingston 2-4 Celtic – Scottish Premiership
Motherwell…
2026-01-05 17:23:00
