Celtic should sack Ronny Delia now, says Sky Sports expert Andy Walker
Thursday 4 February 2016 10:53, UK
Sky Sports pundit Andy Walker says it's time for Celtic to part company with manager Ronny Deila following their 2-1 defeat to Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
It was a miserable night for the Scottish champions, who have now suffered back-to-back defeats following their shock loss against Ross County in the Scottish League Cup semi-final last weekend.
Celtic's lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership was cut to three points as goals from Jonny Hayes and Simon Church earned Aberdeen a 2-1 victory and former player Walker says owner Dermot Desmond has a big decision to make over Deila, who claimed on Tuesday he has the board's backing.
He told Sky Sports: "I didn't see any reaction from the Celtic players today after the weekend's defeat to Ross County.
"I didn't see any reaction during the game against Ross County and I didn't see any reaction when they went 2-0 down tonight and I think you can ignore what the Celtic board are saying.
"This is now a call for Dermot Desmond. If he has got his finger on the pulse of the Celtic support, who continually booed the players at the end of the game, then he will realise he's got a big decision to make.
"Do you trust Ronny Deila to come up with the type of results that will not only get Celtic the title but a bit of success in Europe?
"If it was up to me I would change the manager tomorrow."
Deila has been under pressure all season following his team's early exit from the Champions League against Malmo.
Desmond has previously backed his manager, claiming the team is better than they were last season, but Walker says performances are not good enough for a team that has a huge financial advantage over their domestic rivals.
He added: "Celtic have a huge advantage in terms of resources and everything you want.
"How did they defend tonight? The amount of long balls that were played when Celtic were 2-0 down and they didn't go and compete for them.
"I know that's not down to the manager but the manager has to make the kind of changes and type of signings that can get Celtic success on the park and all of that is up for serious debate.
"It's not good enough and Celtic could well go on and secure the title but would you trust this manager to get you the type of results the Celtic supporters are looking for?
"I think if you have got your finger on the pulse of the Celtic support I think there is a growing number who don't buy into what Ronny Deila is continually saying.
"There's no improvement, there's nothing special and there's no notable victories and I think as a Celtic manager that is what you have to come up with."
