Joe Hart Shares Advice for Wilfried Nancy with Anecdote from Ange Postecoglou’s Early Days at Celtic

Wilfried Nancy’s second game in charge of Celtic proved a tough watch. Facing Roma, few expected an easy night, but the disappointment began early when Liam Scales scored an own goal after just five minutes. Celtic struggled to gain a foothold, and by half-time, Evan Ferguson’s double had put Roma firmly in control.

Amid the challenges, veteran goalkeeper Joe Hart shared a story from his early days under Ange Postecoglou, offering advice for Nancy as he navigates a similarly difficult start.

Hart, speaking on TNT Sports, recalled the struggles of adapting to Postecoglou’s style:
“We lost 1-0 away at Livingston, just a few games into Ange’s system. We were trying to play his way on a plastic pitch, and it wasn’t easy. There were moments we wanted a Plan B, but Ange was clear: ‘No. This is how we play. Believe in it.’”

He continued:
“That clarity made a huge difference. You know exactly what’s expected. You get the ball, you show for it — he’s coming for you. That’s what a new manager has to do: make the players believe in the system.”

Hart’s story highlights that even successful managers face tough beginnings. Postecoglou’s early transfers — including Kyogo Furuhashi, Carl Starfelt, Liel Abada, Hart himself, Josip Juranovic, and a deadline-day trio of Jota, Giorgos Giakoumamakis, and Cameron Carter-Vickers — eventually strengthened the squad despite initial struggles.

For Nancy, the message is clear: patience, belief in the system, and strong communication with the squad are key to turning early setbacks into long-term success.