Chris Sutton has warned that Wilfried Nancy’s position as Celtic manager could become untenable as early as Sunday if the Hoops fail to beat Aberdeen at Celtic Park.
It’s been a disastrous start to the Frenchman’s tenure.
After four games in charge, Celtic have lost all four, to Hearts, Roma, St Mirren and most recently Dundee United.
Rumours about Nancy’s future have swirled, but the manager is still set to take his place in the dugout this weekend.
The stakes could hardly be higher. Aberdeen were in European action this week, going down 3-0 to Sparta Prague, which saw them finish second bottom of the conference league, while Celtic have had an extra day stew on their worst run of results in decades.
Sutton believes that if the pattern continues and Celtic lose again to the Dons, Nancy’s time at the club will be effectively over.
Writing in the Record ahead of the game, he said:
“I genuinely can’t quite believe I’m saying it after just four matches in charge, but if Wilfried Nancy makes it five‑in‑a‑row against Aberdeen his position will be untenable. That sounds slightly ridiculous and it gives me no pleasure in saying it.
“People outside Scotland can’t get their heads around it but this is the reality in Glasgow. Celtic managers have to win games – simple as that. It’s been a disastrous start for the Frenchman and the problem has already got to a stage where you have to wonder how long it can go on.”
Sutton’s stark assessment isn’t any different from most around the fans.
The mood among large sections of supporters who feel results, not just performances, are essential if confidence in Nancy is to be restored. And that feels like it’s almost impossible.
Celtic need a win.
Not just for the league standings but for belief, momentum and to quell the growing unease around the manager’s future.
Sunday’s clash with Aberdeen now feels like a crossroads in Nancy’s first campaign and the pressure is as intense as it gets at Parkhead.
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