Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy has expressed gratitude for the club’s continued support amid a difficult start to his tenure, insisting he is confident better times lie ahead for the Scottish champions.

Since taking over from interim boss Martin O’Neill, Nancy has endured a challenging introduction at Celtic FC, becoming the first manager in the club’s history to lose his opening two matches. The setback was compounded by defeat to St Mirren in Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final, leaving fans and pundits questioning the French coach’s early impact.

Nancy Acknowledges the Challenges of Mid-Season Management

Nancy, who left MLS side Columbus Crew to take the helm at Celtic, admitted that he was aware of the difficulties inherent in assuming managerial duties mid-season. “I don’t have to prove anything to anybody,” Nancy said, reflecting on the scrutiny and criticism surrounding his start. “I’m very grateful with the people that I work with. They know why I am here, they protect me, they know what I want to do for the club. They know where we are at this moment and we knew this moment could happen.”

The 48-year-old emphasized that setbacks are expected in football, particularly when implementing new ideas and strategies. “There are bumps. Obviously, I would have preferred the opposite. But the club, the people within the club, the board and everyone has been spot on,” Nancy said, highlighting the trust placed in him by Celtic’s hierarchy.

Embracing Adversity and Maintaining Perspective

Nancy openly acknowledged the emotional toll of criticism, both from fans and the media. “I am a human being. I have emotions,” he said. “I receive a lot of messages from my family to ask me if I’m OK. So it means that maybe I get killed, but it’s OK. Don’t forget I come from Europe, so I know the way it works. In the MLS, it is the same, not with the same intensity obviously. The fans, the media, you don’t have results, this is normal.”

Despite the pressure, Nancy said he is embracing the adversity as part of his growth as a coach: “You might think I am crazy, but I am embracing this adversity because I know I’m getting better. I don’t have to prove anything to anybody, simple as that. I just have to be coherent with my team and do my job as best as I can, and after that, it will be more positive.”

Tactical Changes and Team Development

Nancy has faced criticism for switching to his preferred 3-4-3 formation, departing from O’Neill’s system that delivered seven wins in eight games. Nancy defended his decision, stressing that tactical adjustments are about nuances, not reinvention. “It is nothing about the system. It is not rocket science. I am the coach, I have ideas, and I am just asking the players to play with a few nuances. I don’t try to invent football,” he said.

While results have been slow to come, Nancy is focused on long-term team development. “For me, it is beyond winning. It is about character, personality, coherence, and how we want to play defensively and offensively,” he explained.

Positive Signs Amid Setbacks

Despite defeats to Heart of Midlothian, AS Roma, and St Mirren, Nancy has observed encouraging signs in his squad. He emphasized the importance of building a connection with the players and creating consistency over time: “Every day I see there is an improvement. I am really confident that Celtic will find more consistency soon.”

Nancy also noted that his brief tenure of just ten days had already revealed areas of growth and potential, underlining that patience and trust are key when a new manager takes over mid-season.

Looking Ahead

As Celtic prepare to visit Dundee United on Wednesday, Nancy remains focused on steady progress rather than immediate results. With a clear vision and the backing of the club hierarchy, the French coach is determined to establish a coherent style and build a resilient team capable of competing for Scottish Premiership honors and domestic cup glory.