CHRIS SUTTON SENDS STRONG MESSAGE TO CELTIC NEW COACH AFTER LOSS TO HEARTS

Celtic’s long-awaited managerial transition hit a sour note yesterday as Wilfried Nancy’s debut ended in a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Hearts at Parkhead. The French tactician, fresh from his MLS triumphs with Columbus Crew, arrived with high expectations following Martin O’Neill’s impressive interim stint. But in a match that exposed tactical vulnerabilities, the Hoops faltered against a streetwise Jambos side, dropping crucial points in the Scottish Premiership title race.

The game unfolded like a cautionary tale for the new era. Hearts struck first through Claudio Braga’s clinical finish in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on Celtic’s tentative back-three setup—a bold departure from O’Neill’s tried-and-tested 4-3-3. Oisin McEntee doubled the lead just before halftime with a header from a corner, leaving the home crowd stunned. Nancy’s side showed flickers of promise in the second half, with their possession-based approach creating chances, but it wasn’t enough. A late consolation from Kieran Tierney in stoppage time offered scant relief, as Hearts held firm to leapfrog Celtic and extend their lead at the summit.

Post-match, the air was thick with recriminations. Nancy remained philosophical in his press conference, insisting, “I’m not about losing or winning right now—the season is long.” He acknowledged the learning curve, admitting his players “did everything” but needed more from him in preparation. With only days to imprint his vision amid a congested fixture list, the 48-year-old faces an unforgiving baptism. Upcoming clashes with St Mirren and a League Cup final loom large, testing whether Celtic’s squad can adapt to his fluid, high-pressing style before January’s transfer window brings reinforcements.

Enter Chris Sutton, the Celtic legend whose post-match X tirade cut straight to the bone. The former Hoops striker, never one to mince words, fired off a stark message: “Wilfried Nancy took a risk not playing or trusting the Martin O’Neill team and way. Hearts were too streetwise for Celtic. Bottom line is Celtic haven’t been good enough in the final third all season… January is huge…” Sutton’s words echoed the frustrations of a fanbase that had basked in O’Neill’s seven wins from eight games. By sidelining the interim blueprint, Nancy gambled on wholesale change—and lost. Yet Sutton’s critique carried a constructive edge, urging Nancy to blend innovation with proven pragmatism. “Hit the ground running? Easier said than done,” he added in a Record column, sympathizing with the pressure but demanding quick fixes.

Amid the debris, one silver lining emerged on the flanks: Sebastian Tounekti. The 23-year-old Tunisian winger, Celtic’s £5.2m deadline-day coup from Hammarby, was a rare bright spark in the defeat. Operating on the left in Nancy’s reshaped attack, Tounekti’s blistering pace and clever dribbling tormented Hearts’ right-back, earning him man-of-the-match nods in pre-loss hype. Since his September arrival, the Norway-born speedster has notched one goal and an assist in 10 outings, blending seamlessly with new signings like Kelechi Iheanacho. “He’s a joy to play with,” Tierney said post-match, hinting at Tounekti’s potential to unlock that elusive final-third potency Sutton decried. If Nancy harnesses his dynamism, January’s reinforcements could transform Celtic’s fortunes.

For now, though, the message from Sutton rings loud: adapt or perish. Celtic trail by three points with a game in hand, but Hearts’ efficiency exposed the chasm between ambition and execution. Nancy’s honeymoon is over—time to trust, tweak, and triumph.