Wilfried Nancy has endured a nightmare start to life at Celtic, becoming the first manager in the club’s history to lose his opening three matches. Despite the disastrous beginning, the Celtic board have made their position clear — they are standing firmly behind him.
The Frenchman’s first 10 days at Parkhead have been brutal. A home defeat to league leaders Hearts widened the gap at the top of the Premiership, Roma then dismantled the Hoops in the Europa League, and matters hit a new low when St Mirren claimed the season’s first silverware by beating Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final. Anxiety among supporters has intensified rapidly.
Nancy has remained stubbornly loyal to his football philosophy, persisting with a 3-4-3 system despite the string of defeats. That approach has drawn increasing criticism, with questions already being asked about how long he can survive in the Celtic dugout.
However, ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Dundee United, Nancy revealed he has been reassured by the club’s hierarchy, who expected turbulence and are prepared to ride it out.
“I’m very grateful to the people I work with,” Nancy said. “They know why I’m here. They protect me. They understand what I want to do for this club and they knew moments like this could happen. The important thing is not where we are now, but where we want to go. The board and everyone at the club have been spot-on.”
Nancy followed Martin O’Neill’s interim return after Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation, but insists his tactical approach is being overcomplicated by critics.
“There will be bumps,” he admitted. “Of course I’d prefer the opposite. Losing is painful — extremely painful — but it’s part of the job. I’m not here to please myself. I’m here to help my players grow together, both offensively and defensively.”
He acknowledged criticism is inevitable when results are poor but stressed that his vision goes beyond immediate wins.
“People will question the system and the way I play because we aren’t winning. That’s normal. But this isn’t about formations. It’s about character, personality, coherence and the desire to compete every single time.”
Nancy conceded that results have yet to justify his ideas but insisted progress is being made behind the scenes.
“As a coach, you need time. But at the same time, you don’t have time — and that’s the reality here. It’s new for me, but I know what I’m doing. Every day, there’s improvement. You don’t see it because you’re not with us.”
For now, the pressure is intense and patience among supporters is thin. But Nancy remains adamant that the tide will turn.
“I can’t say too much because results matter, and right now I have nothing to show. But I know it will come.”
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