Chris Sutton has questioned whether Wilfried Nancy has tried to implement his tactical ideas too quickly at Celtic, suggesting the early confusion on the pitch is a result of moving faster than the squad can handle.
The former Celtic striker, who has urged patience with the new manager throughout the week, says the shift in formation and constant in-game tweaks have only added to the chaos during Nancy’s opening two matches in charge.
It’s the only critique he has of Nancy so far, remaining level-headed. He called the idea of wanting him sacked “utter madness”.
“A lot has been made about Nancy’s formation and it’s a point I do understand,” Sutton wrote in the Daily Record.
“It does look like he’s gone too much, too soon and it’s left a lot of players looking a little confused at times.
“He’s also made in-game changes to the team’s shape and it’s only added to the chaotic scenes at times.”
Nancy has moved Celtic to a back three, using players in roles they’ve rarely featured in before, including wingers operating as wing-backs. The system hasn’t yet produced results, with two defeats and just one goal scored since the Frenchman’s arrival.
“I fully get that he wants to implement his own style. But that takes time – something he doesn’t have at Celtic,” Sutton added.
“Sometimes you have to take a step back and look at what you have at your disposal and then find a formation to fit – not the other way around.”
Sunday’s League Cup Final offers a crucial opportunity for Nancy to steady the ship and claim his first win, and trophy, just one week into the job.
But the pressure to get the structure and selection right is mounting.
Granted, injuries aren’t on his side, but going by the changes he made on Thursday at halftime, there could be some new faces in the starting eleven on Sunday.
