Wilfried Nancy Points to Historic Celtic Set-Piece Problem

Celtic’s habit of conceding early goals from set-pieces has become one of the most troubling patterns of Wilfried Nancy’s short time in charge, and it was again laid bare in the Premier Sports Cup final defeat to St Mirren.

For the third game running, Celtic found themselves chasing a match almost immediately, with the opening goal arriving from a corner just two minutes into the final at Hampden.

It followed similar starts against Hearts and Roma, leaving little room for error before the team had even settled.

The recurrence of the same problem has sharpened scrutiny, not only because of the goals themselves, but because of what they represent. Conceding early from a set-piece places instant pressure on a side already searching for confidence.

In all three games, Celtic were forced to abandon any sense of control and play from behind, altering the flow of the match before momentum could be established. For a team still adapting to new ideas, that has proven costly.

Against St Mirren, the early setback was particularly damaging given the occasion. Cup finals demand concentration and composure from the first whistle, and Celtic failed that basic test.

While the response before half-time showed some attacking intent, the damage was already done. The second-half collapse only reinforced the sense that these early concessions are having a knock-on effect on belief and structure.

Nancy addressed the issue directly after the match, acknowledging both the pattern and the challenge it creates.

His comments were measured rather than defensive, reflecting a manager keenly aware that the problem did not begin with his appointment, but is now firmly part of his responsibility to fix. The question for supporters is not whether the issue exists, but how quickly it can be resolved.

He said: (Premier Sports), “It’s a tough one. The reality is that in the last three games we have conceded goals from set-pieces, the first goal, so we are having to come from behind all the time.

“On that, we have to be a little bit better.

“We knew this was something that had happened during the season, we know that.

“But we started well and after one or two minutes we conceded the first goal. After that, I liked the reaction.”

Nancy’s comments tried to strike a middle ground between admitting the problem and offering reassurance. He was clear about the facts, openly accepting that conceding first from set-pieces has become a recurring issue.

At the same time, he pointed to the team’s reaction, especially in the first half when Celtic pushed St Mirren back and managed to find an equaliser.

Taken fairly, there is some truth in that assessment. Celtic did show a degree of character after the early setback, and for spells they looked capable of taking control of the final.

The bigger concern, though, is consistency. Responding once is not enough if the same flaw keeps costing the team game after game.

Defending set-pieces is about structure, focus and responsibility, not just effort, and Celtic have too often fallen short in those areas.

It is also worth acknowledging the wider context Nancy mentioned. He is right to say these issues did not start with him.

Problems at set-pieces have followed Celtic throughout the season, and fixing them takes time, clear instruction and, in some cases, different personnel. None of that happens overnight, particularly with a packed fixture list that limits time on the training ground.

That said, repetition naturally increases pressure. Three games in a row, three early goals from corners and three defeats leave little space for patience.

Supporters can understand honesty, but they also want to see clear progress. Pointing out the problem is only the beginning; showing that it is being fixed is what will rebuild belief.

Looking ahead, the task is obvious. Celtic cannot keep giving opponents an early advantage, especially in away matches or big occasions.

The trip to Dundee United and the remaining European games will show whether lessons are being taken on board. Even small improvements in set-piece organisation could make a real difference to results.

Overall, Nancy’s comments were measured and realistic. He did not overplay the situation, but he did not ignore it either. Whether that approach is enough will depend on what follows.

At Celtic, patterns are judged quickly, and they are changed through performances, not press conferences.

The coming weeks will reveal whether this issue is being addressed, or whether it continues to define the early part of Nancy’s time in charge.