Celtic’s Manager Wilfried Nancy Stands Firm Amidst Struggles

Celtic’s recent 3-1 defeat to Rangers on Saturday marks a challenging moment for manager Wilfried Nancy, who has now overseen six losses in the last eight matches. Despite the disappointing outcome, Nancy maintains that he is aligned with the club’s board and is confident that improvements can be made.

In a reflective assessment of the match, Nancy praised his team’s performance in the first half, where they initially took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and created several scoring opportunities. However, the second half saw the team falter, conceding three goals—two from Youssef Chermiti and another from Mikey Moore—highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.

The loss has significant implications, placing Celtic level on points with Rangers, while they risk falling further behind leaders Hearts, pending the outcome of their match against Livingston later that day. In the aftermath, Celtic supporters organized a protest against the board, expressing their frustration.

Nancy shared his thoughts with BBC Scotland, stating, “It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we needed more goals. In the second half, we conceded three goals from throw-ins. It’s difficult to accept, but it’s a reality. This is not just about the players or the tactics; it’s about moments. My focus is on the fans’ disappointment, and I understand the weight of this match. However, I also recognize our potential for improvement. We are close to turning things around, and if I didn’t believe that, I wouldn’t speak out. We are united with the board.”

Following the match, former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart criticized Nancy’s position, suggesting he appeared overwhelmed and highlighting a disconnect between the manager and the team. He called for accountability among those in leadership roles. Additionally, former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pointed out that the primary issues lie within the team’s defensive structure rather than their offensive capabilities.

Former Rangers striker Billy Dodds noted that while Rangers capitalized on Celtic’s weaknesses, the latter’s performance was disappointingly poor. Chris Sutton, a former Celtic striker, echoed sentiments about the team’s defensive shortcomings, stating, “You can score, but you’ve got to defend. This team doesn’t do that.”

Fan sentiment following the match was notably negative, with many expressing frustration over Nancy’s tactical approach and the team’s inability to adapt during games. Some supporters felt that the club’s management should take responsibility for the current state of affairs, advocating for a change in leadership. Others argued that while Nancy should be given a chance, the lack of progress is becoming increasingly evident, with calls for his dismissal growing louder.