Wilfried Nancy: Chris Sutton issues sack verdict as 152-game run ends

Robin Bairner

• 3 Jan 2026 10:30 CST
• 3 min read

News

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy has come under renewed pressure following a 3-1 Parkhead loss to Rangers in the Premiership.

The embattled Frenchman saw his side dominate the first half and take a 1-0 lead into the break thanks to a fierce strike from Yang Hyun-Jun.

After the break, the fortunes of the Hoops collapsed in the face of their Glasgow rivals. A double from Youssef Chermiti and a further strike from Mickey Moore changed the course of the game and saw maximum points go to Ibrox.

It was the first time in 152 home matches that Celtic had scored the opening goal and had gone on to lose.

Rangers are now tied on 38 points with the Hoops, three behind leaders Hearts, who have a game in hand.

With Nancy having overseen six defeats in eight games as Celtic boss, the under-fire Parkhead board will have to front up to the prospect of sacking a manager they appointed only a couple of months ago.

Nancy’s way is not working – Sutton

Chris Sutton passed his verdict on the future of the former Columbus Crew boss on commentary with Sky Sports.

The ex-Celtic hitman said: “I don’t think that this is in any way a great Rangers team.

“Wilfried Nancy, one way Wilf. It’s not working. He’ll be fortunate to survive this.”

He subsequently added on X: "18 goals conceded in 8 games… one way Wilf will not change but it’s on whoever made the call to bring Wilf in if they knew he was going to be stubborn and not adapt. Bad decision after bad decision this season has plagued Celtic as a club. Time to move fast and be decisive…"

Former Bhoys defender Jackie McNamara did not take a definitive position on the manager but did say:

“Celtic could have been three or four up at half-time. Rangers made a tweak at half-time and went with three up top. They got a goal and smelt blood. It didn’t work for them in the first half but the manager changed it.”

Kris Boyd, the notoriously pro-Rangers Sky pundit, chipped in: "I wouldn't be making any knee-jerk reactions if I was Celtic. Patience is a virtue."

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