Chris Sutton furious with ‘nonsense’ he’s read about Wilfried Nancy already at Celtic
Wilfried Nancy has already come under scrutiny following his debut 2-1 defeat to Hearts on 7 December.
Celtic players were “spooked” by Nancy’s tactics during their loss to Hearts, according to Jackie McNamara in front of the home fans at Parkhead.
The first defeat of the Frenchman’s reign will do little to stifle fan discontent with many Celtic supporters upset over Martin O’Neill’s departure following a fruitful interim spell.
Yet, ex-Hoops striker Chris Sutton firmly believes the criticism on Nancy has perhaps gone a bit too far, given this is set to be a long-term project in Glasgow.
Chris Sutton disagrees with the ‘hysteria’ over Wilfried Nancy
Viewers of the crushing 2-1 defeat to the Jam Tarts were startled by the drastic approach taken by the ex-Columbus Crew boss to immediately switch up the tactics and formation.
Celtic set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, completely veering away from O’Neill‘s 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 structures during his interim spell in charge.
Evidently, the players hadn’t been given ample time to learn their new roles in Nancy’s unit, which ultimately led to many Hoops stars being unable to effectively stick to their tasks.
Whilst pundits and fans alike tore into the Frenchman for his decision to go all-in with his play style from the get-go without a period of transition, Sutton asked for calm from the fanbase.
Taking to X (9 December), the ex-striker said: “I didn’t agree with Willie Nancy’s decision to change things against Hearts but some of the hysteria and nonsense written and said about him is totally unjust.
“The guy has come in and not had time to work. He needs time…just like Ange Postecoglou did.”
Europa League test against Roma a defining match for Celtic
The Bhoys will be looking to bounce back from another setback in their Scottish Premiership defence when they take on Roma in the Europa League on 11 December.
The Italian outfit are enjoying a solid season in Serie A but perhaps could be doing better in Europe, winning just three of their five matches so far.
They did dispatch of Rangers 2-0 on 6 November, reminding Celtic that their opponents have recent positive experience of playing against Scottish sides.
Nancy will be looking to pick up his first win as manager, calling upon the home crowd to roar them to victory.