Celtic’s 3–0 defeat to Roma at Parkhead angered many supporters, and Wilfried Nancy’s post-match interview only added to the discussion.
Nancy, still only days into the role, tried to set out what went wrong, but his explanation also gave a clear picture of where he thinks the team is right now.
The manager highlighted several tactical points Celtic failed to carry out, especially when trying to play from the back under pressure.
Roma pressed hard from the start, forcing Celtic into rushed passes and sloppy turnovers. Nancy said the mistakes were not about effort but about poor decision-making and physical gaps, pointing to the size of the challenge his new squad faced against a more confident and settled opponent.
Supporters were split over whether his comments were honest or a worrying sign of lowered expectations.
His admission that Celtic were outpowered and unable to match Roma’s intensity hit home, as it echoed issues seen before in Europe. But he also focused on the second-half response, which may divide opinion given the game was already gone by the time Celtic started to settle.
What is clear is that Nancy is trying to shield his players while stressing belief in the long-term plan. Celtic are adapting to a new style and a new manager during a tough spell of the season. His comments sounded like someone trying to balance the blunt reality of the performance with a message aimed at keeping the squad calm as the schedule tightens.
He said: (TNT Sports), “As soon as we had a bit of time to play forward, we didn’t take the good decision.
“They tried, but the battle of power was too strong.
“I’m not concerned because I really liked the reaction.
“Patience is important… but I know patience is difficult in football.”
These comments shows the main themes Nancy has spoken about since he arrived: decision-making, physical strength, mentality and the time needed to put everything in place.
His message after the game pointed to a team still trying to understand his approach, especially under real pressure. Instead of talking about single moments, he focused on the wider issues that shaped the night, such as missed opportunities to play forward, losing key battles and the lack of control that let Roma take charge for long periods.
Much of what he said also touched on problems Celtic have struggled with in Europe for years. Being second best physically, slow when pressed and unable to dictate the tempo are not new concerns.
Nancy’s comments hinted at a squad that needs more work tactically and more strength in depth if it wants to compete against better sides. January will matter, but so will how quickly the players adapt to what he is asking them to do.
Nancy also made a point of stressing that he saw a stronger response in the second half. The score didn’t change, but he highlighted attitude and structure rather than the result.
That may not convince every supporter, yet it shows the situation he is dealing with: trying to rebuild confidence in a group that has had some tough setbacks. His call for patience comes from that place, even though he knows it is never easy to ask for at a club with Celtic’s expectations.
Celtic remain in the Europa League with two important league-phase matches still ahead in January.
The trips to Bologna and the home meeting with Utrecht give them a chance to recover from the Roma defeat, but they will need a far stronger performance in every part of the pitch. Nancy knows the team must press with more intent, move the ball quicker and show more control if they want to take something from those games.
Sunday’s League Cup final against St Mirren now carries extra weight. Winning a trophy so early would give Nancy a platform and help ease the pressure after a rough week.
For now, his post-match comments show a manager trying to stay steady during a difficult spell while keeping belief within the group.
The next run of games will reveal whether the progress he insists is happening becomes clear on the pitch, and whether supporters feel there is enough promise to offer him the patience he is looking for as the season moves forward.
Wilf knowz Celtic are a conference league team, and tha squad is short on confidence.
Az they say ‘win together or lose together’ tha team still remains
Everywan wuz right fuc&in keech tonight, Aye everywan of tha players were shi7e, tha fanz, pay their money, and guess wit they’re entertained wae.
Over paid prema-donnaz, and a squad defunct of ideaz?
If that Celtic at their best, I honestly fear fur Wilf this weekend??
We reap what we sow. A board who only care about themselves. So much money wasted on average player’s and customer’s treated with contempt. This manager doesn’t get Celtic not in the MLS now.