Wilfried Nancy made inexplicable decision before Celtic vs Rangers, this explains why he’s getting sacked

Celtic host Rangers on Saturday lunchtime in a mouthwatering turn-of-year showdown – and the repercussions for Wilfried Nancy are likely to be seismic.

Celtic’s 2-0 defeat to Motherwell on Tuesday saw the Hoops lose their advantage in the race for the Scottish Premiership title, remaining three points behind Hearts.

As a result, Nancy has now lost five of his first seven matches in charge of the Glaswegians, a dire return.

Nancy has seemingly already lost the Celtic fans, with many now calling for the manager to be sacked.

Now, his decision to start Anthony Ralston once again could cost the Hoops in the Old Firm derby.

”I cannot talk, I shut my mouth, because the results are not good enough… yes I’m going to die for this club”

Wilfried Nancy launches an explosive and passionate defence regarding his start to life at Celtic 😳 pic.twitter.com/QELqDrzgWC— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 2, 2026

Anthony Ralston started for Celtic in Old Firm derby

Ralston has been dire for Celtic multiple times already this season.

The full-back is continuously exposed in Nancy’s system, yet the manager continues to give him minutes.

Even in the 4-2 victory over Livingston, fans were furious with Ralston as he made a series of costly mistakes.

Now, the fact that Nancy has stuck by the right-back proves that he is out of his depth.

📋 How we lineup for today’s Glasgow Derby ⤵️#CELRAN | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/xcMxzLLhp5— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 3, 2026

The manager is clearly incapable of making tough decisions as he refuses to drop players who are clearly out of form.

While starting Ralston could easily work against Rangers, the likelihood is that Danny Rohl’s side will target the full-back, which could be the catalyst behind a defeat.

Therefore, Nancy’s recent lineup decision has simply proven why the sack is inevitable for the manager at Celtic Park.

Who is the favourite to replace Nancy at Celtic?

As it stands, Martin O’Neill is the favourite to take over at Celtic if Nancy were given the boot.

The former Aston Villa manager oversaw a highly successful interim spell before the Frenchman’s appointment, winning all but one of his matches.

Given that he found success with the current squad just over a month ago, you’d think he’d be the first person the Celtic board would call if they were forced to pull the trigger early on Nancy’s position.

However, it remains to be seen if O’Neill would be willing to come back to the Hoops, considering he only left last month.

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