New Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has swiftly dismissed criticism from pundits and online commentators after his use of a tactics board drew attention during his first match in charge.
The Frenchman oversaw a 2–1 defeat to Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts in his debut as Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor, with the focus quickly shifting from the result to the equipment he used on the touchline. Celtic now prepare to face AS Roma in the UEFA Europa League.
Nancy, who arrived earlier this month from MLS side Columbus Crew, saw The Hoops slip three points behind Hearts following Sunday’s loss. However, much of the post-match chatter centred on him using a tactics board to communicate ideas during the match — a method recently highlighted when Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim did the same during a Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town.
Brushing off the criticism, Nancy also referenced a pundit who mocked his Celtic-themed Adidas trainers, released as part of a collaboration between the club and the brand.
“People can say what they want,” Nancy said. “Maybe they don’t like what I wear — I don’t care. If I need the tactics board, I’ll use it.”
His early experiences provide a rapid introduction to the intense scrutiny surrounding Scottish football, something managers on both sides of the Old Firm are forced to navigate. At Rangers, Russell Martin drew criticism for ditching the club’s traditional suit and brogues, a mistake his successor Danny Rohl has avoided by reverting to the custom.
Nancy made it clear he keeps outside opinions at arm’s length.
“With every team I’ve coached, I shut out all the noise,” he said. “On Twitter, I cut everything out. People have the right to talk — it’s part of the job — but I’m not here to respond to everyone.”
Having officially taken over on December 3, Nancy is now preparing for his first European fixture as Celtic travel to face AS Roma in the Europa League. The 48-year-old spent his entire coaching career in MLS, winning major silverware with CF Montréal and Columbus Crew. Although European competition is a new stage for him, he is no stranger to continental success, having reached the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup final.
“It’s an honour to manage in the Europa League, but I’ve already reached a Champions League final in CONCACAF,” Nancy said.
“I respect Gian Piero Gasperini and the way his teams play. I’m excited for the challenge.”
Celtic had just two training sessions with Nancy before the Hearts fixture. Despite the defeat, he was encouraged by what he saw.
“I feel good,” he said. “For a first match with only two days of preparation, I thought there were many positive moments on and off the ball.
I didn’t like the result, but I liked our intentions and how the players wanted to connect.”
Nancy believes the foundations already in place at Celtic give him plenty to build upon.
“This is a great group. My job is to find solutions and set priorities. If we’d had more time, we could have done better against Hearts, but I’m pleased with the work we’ve already put in.”
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