Celtic’s current atmosphere is notably more optimistic following their recent victory against Aberdeen. However, manager Wilfried Nancy’s performance record remains a point of concern, having secured only one win in five matches since taking the helm. The upcoming match against Livingston presents a crucial opportunity for the Hoops to build on their momentum, but the pressure is palpable, particularly given that Livingston currently occupies the bottom spot in the Premiership table.
In a surprising move, Nancy has made a significant decision regarding his squad selection by omitting veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel not only from the starting lineup but from the entire matchday squad. This bold choice has resonated positively with many fans, who have long advocated for a starting role for Viljami Sinisalo. Schmeichel’s performance over recent months has raised eyebrows, leading supporters to believe that it was time for a change in goalkeeping personnel.
Celtic fans expressed their thoughts on Nancy’s decision on social media. One supporter questioned Schmeichel’s absence: “Is Schmeichel injured? Not even on the bench? Huge call but correct one for me. Great opportunity for Sinisalo to put a case to be No1.” Another fan echoed this sentiment, stating, “Schmeichel being dropped is well overdue; he’s been awful since the end of last season! A solid performance and Sinisalo keeps the gloves.”
Sinisalo’s promotion to the starting role has been long anticipated; he has consistently shown reliability when on the pitch and deserves this chance. However, with Schmeichel’s absence, there are concerns among fans about whether this decision was due to an injury or a necessity to address performance issues.
While some of Nancy’s other selections, such as retaining Johnny Kenny as a starter, have sparked debate among fans, it’s clear that he is under considerable scrutiny as he navigates these early days in his management role. With this pivotal match against Livingston, all eyes will be on the performance of Sinisalo and the overall execution of the team, as they seek to solidify a positive trajectory in the league.