Chris Sutton slams Wilfried Nancy ‘hysteria’ in fierce social media defence of Celtic boss

But despite Nancy only having two training sessions before the 2-1 defeat to Hearts, he has come in for a fair bit of criticism, ridicule and outright slander from sections of the media.

Some have taken issue with Nancy’s use of a tactics board during the game, and his comments after the game about ‘not being about losing or winning’ have also caused panic.

Of course, this is just one corner of the conversation – many hold different opinions. But Chris Sutton has decided to speak out at what he’s been reading about the Frenchman.

Chris Sutton on ‘hysteria’ over Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy

Those are just two of the criticisms being levelled at Nancy – his decision to instantly change the team’s formation to a 3-4-3 is another, more valid, point of discussion.

But Sutton feels that some if it is too much, too soon.

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Sutton took to X on Tuesday to address some of the reactions to Nancy being written in both social media and printed media.

He said: “I didn’t agree with [Wilfried] 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 just come in and not had time to work. He needs time… just like Ange Postecoglou did.”

A strong message from Sutton – certain pundits clearly being indirectly addressed, there.

The team’s form under Martin O’Neill is an easy stick to beat Nancy with – if it wasn’t already, it’s now clear that Nancy is trying to take the team in a different direction.

But Nancy isn’t O’Neill. The 3-4-3 and tactics board are likely here to stay – the losing hopefully isn’t.

Nancy’s comments about the atmosphere at Celtic Park certainly indicate that he is aware of what he has stepped into.

He told BBC Scotland: “I love it. I love it. Because again, this is the passion.

“This is the passion from the club, this is the passion from the fans, and I do the job for that. So again, but me, the most important is to be focused on the pitch. These are the players, that I can control.

“After that, yes, we want to give emotion to the fans, and they have the right to challenge us and to support us.

“So, but I’m fine with that, and the atmosphere was spot on. Spot on.

“When we were close to scoring, and when we wanted to come from behind, yes, they push us and they challenge us, but this is part of the situation.”