Chris Sutton condemns ‘unjust’ Wilfried Nancy criticism

In his first encounter as new Celtic boss on Sunday, the Frenchman saw his side lose to Hearts. Derek McInnes’ men left Celtic Park with a 2–1 win, securing their second victory of the season against the Scottish champions.

That result allowed the Jambos to re-establish a three-point lead over Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership league table.

Unjust criticism of new Celtic manager 

Nancy has ridiculously drawn criticism from some for consulting a tactics board on the touchline, while others have taken issue with his decision to alter the formation that had delivered seven victories from eight under Martin O’Neill’s interim spell.

Sutton shares that view, but he’s dismissed much of the criticism aimed at Nancy as unjust, pointing out that Ange Postecoglou also required patience – and once he settled, he never looked back.

Writing on X, Sutton 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.”

Mainstream media only at Wilfried Nancy’s media conference today 

Nancy will face the mainstream media today – but not fan media as the club continue to ‘review’ fan media engagement – ahead of tomorrow night’s crucial Europa League clash against Italian giants Roma. The Celtic Star was scheduled  to attend the post match media activities tomorrow but earlier today received notification from Celtic confirming that this was now not happening as expected.

Celtic’s message said: “As we are currently (reviewing) access arrangements for fan media, there will be no access to today’s press conference or the mixed zone tomorrow evening.”

Having beaten Feyenoord in De Kuip only two weeks ago, Celtic have put themselves in a decent position to secure a top 24 place which would guarantee a knockout phase tie in February.

However, it is expected that 11 points would be required and 10 might not be enough, so a positive result at Celtic Park tomorrow evening would set Nancy’s side up quite well heading into the final two league phase games in late January 2026 against Bologna away and Utrecht as Celtic Park.

Conor Spence