Celtic are reportedly more ‘realistic’ than ever to replace Wilfried Nancy as their main managerial target following their defeat in the Old Firm derby.
Chris Sutton: Nancy will be ‘lucky’ to survive Rangers defeat
Ever since Nancy arrived, it’s been a complete disaster. The French manager has had the difficult task of continuing Martin O’Neill’s excellent spell as caretaker manager, but although the 73-year-old has only lost once, it’s fair to say he hasn’t been able to pick up where the veteran manager left off.
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Defeat in the Old Firm derby could perhaps be the nail in the coffin for his tenure. Celtic initially jumped over the blocks to take a 1-0 lead, but their fragility soon surfaced.
A single goal from Youssef Cermiti spelled the end for Rangers, who had their rivals on the ropes before Mikey Moore hit the deciding hit to seal a 3-1 victory. Chris Sutton said the Boyes had lost their case and there was a good chance Nancy would be stripped of her term.
“I never thought this was Rangers’ best team. But for Wilfried Nancy, on the one hand, Wilf! It’s not going well. I think he’s lucky he survives this.”
“People say, ‘It’s not Wilfried Nancy’s fault,’ and maybe it’s not, but the club really has to be decisive.
“They can’t sit back in terms of signing players, but if they want to stick with Wilfried Nancy, I’m not really sure they should, because there are probably players out there who have a better chance of winning a premiership with them.”
Mr Sutton’s ruling is difficult to argue against, with Parkhead chiefs already considering Mr Nancy’s future and reportedly having a “realistic” candidate for his replacement floated.
Postecoglou’s return to Celtic now more ‘realistic’ than ever
According to TEAMtalk, Ange Postecoglou’s return to Celtic is now more “realistic” than ever after Parkhead bosses met in the summer to discuss Nancy’s immediate future at the club.
The Australian, who prefers a 4-3-3 formation, reportedly needs a number of commitments to secure his return in the summer, but these are commitments that the Boyes should do everything in their power to meet. In terms of options, Postecoglou is arguably Celtic’s best player, even after difficult spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest.
celtic postecoglu | record |
|---|---|
game | 113 |
victory | 83 |
draw | 12 |
defeat | 18 |
trophy | 5 |
His record speaks for itself and there is no doubt that Postecoglou’s return will be worth the wait. But in the meantime, Celtic must find a solution.
The big question is whether that means O’Neal will be back for the second time this season. The 73-year-old has been near perfect in the first interim period of this season and could be given a chance to pick up where he left off.
The other option, of course, is for Celtic to stick with Nancy in the hope that he eventually turns the corner in Scotland. However, after fan protests and an Old Firm derby defeat, that corner is starting to look increasingly impossible.
