adminChris Sutton has launched a fierce criticism of Cameron Carter-Vickers.
The Celtic defender found himself in unfamiliar territory following Sunday’s Glasgow Derby defeat.
Instead of delivering the usual football clichés, Carter-Vickers discussed tactics and a lack of clear direction.
Those comments came during a post-match interview with Sky Sports.
Celtic are required to make players available for interviews, so it was not a situation where Carter-Vickers had taken to social media to shift the blame.
Despite playing only around 20 years ago, Sutton came from a very different era of football.
The Academy system was beginning to take shape, with young players being educated in tactics and formations from an early age.
The days of managers giving players the hairdryer treatment are no longer part of the modern game.
CHRIS SUTTON – FROM A DIFFERENT FOOTBALL ERA
Martin O’Neill’s famous Celtic side in Seville was packed with strong personalities and leaders. The captain’s armband was not necessarily the deciding factor when Bobo Balde, Neil Lennon, Alan Thompson and Sutton were all making their voices heard.
Carter-Vickers spoke in a very matter-of-fact way, which is characteristic of him, but his comments appeared to strike a nerve with Sutton.
Writing in the Daily Record, Sutton criticised the defender and said:
I’ve been a huge admirer of his over the years and I’ve constantly sung his praises.
But his comments after the Rangers defeat were disgraceful.
Carter-Vickers spoke about the random way of playing, the messaging and stuff about freezing on the pitch because players being unsure of where they were meant to run.
It was a cop-out. Whether he meant it or not, he was passing the buck back to the manager and the coaches – and it’s not on. It was pathetic.
You might feel that way in private but the place to air those thoughts is in-house rather than in public.
It was a tough enough situation but Carter-Vickers just chucked petrol on the flames.
The Martin O’Neill of 25 years ago wouldn’t have stood for it, that’s for sure. Carter-Vickers’ feet wouldn’t have hit the floor.
Mind you, I’m not sure the Martin O’Neill of 20-odd years ago would have voiced his own doubts so publicly either, but it’s been something that has crept in during his time back at Celtic.
Since Sunday, there has been no statement from any Celtic player.
Even those currently away on international duty have avoided speaking to the media.
Carter-Vickers’ remarks are comparable to comments made by Liam Scales and Callum McGregor over the past week.
There have been other recent occasions when Celtic have suffered consecutive defeats, but they were not followed by comments from O’Neill.
Talking about self-reflection while also referring to his age is not the typical behaviour of a manager following a significant defeat.
O’Neill understands how to close ranks and weather difficult periods. He has experienced virtually every scenario across more than 1,000 games in management.
His next decisions will be significant.
If he remains in charge, O’Neill will be expected to provide answers arising from his self-reflection when he next faces the media.
Celtic return to action away at Motherwell on October 11 before quickly facing Benfica and Hearts.
Ahead of the November international break, they will welcome Celta Vigo and Besiktas in the Europa League.
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