Celtic’s managerial search is moving towards its conclusion as Wilfried Nancy reportedly prepares to take charge next week, but the imminent appointment has drawn sharp criticism from pundit Simon Jordan.
Jordan, never shy of delivering blunt assessments, has questioned the calibre of the appointment and Celtic’s wider decision-making process.
The Frenchman is set to arrive from Columbus Crew after a successful spell in MLS, where he lifted the MLS Cup and built a strong reputation for progressive football.
Inside Celtic Park, his profile fits the club’s preferred model: front-foot, possession-based play paired with a track record of developing players. However, external voices continue to ask whether that translates to success in a Glasgow environment defined by intensity, scrutiny and relentless expectation.
Jordan’s comments reflect a broader scepticism in parts of the English media, who tend to view MLS as an inferior proving ground compared to major European leagues.
While Nancy’s coaching credentials have been praised in the United States, questions persist about whether he can adapt quickly enough to the demands of Celtic, especially with a fractured squad and a crucial period of the season looming.
The comparisons with Ange Postecoglou’s arrival in 2021 have amplified the conversation, though the circumstances now are markedly different.
As Celtic prepare to hand Nancy the reins, the rhetoric from England adds a layer of scrutiny at a time when the club is already in transition following Brendan Rodgers’ sudden departure.
Jordan’s comments were as direct as ever, taking aim not only at the incoming manager but also at the board’s judgement.
He said: (talkSPORT), “It is, because people are comparing the fact that Ange Postecoglou came from ‘lesser than’ football.
“And this guy’s coming from the MLS… I’ve seen the MLS, it’s —-.
“Ange Postecoglou managed at international level. There’s no comparison between the two.
“I’m fascinated about Celtic’s decision-making process. They’ve been very robust in two meetings: one where they shut the fans down, and the other with Dermot Desmond burying Brendan Rodgers.
“But this, to me, seems like a strange appointment. Is this the best that Celtic can get? A manager that manages in the MLS, a substandard league which is propped up by overseas players – and even then isn’t that exciting…
“Is this the best that they can get? Wow.”
Jordan’s assessment will not be universally shared, particularly among those who have followed Nancy’s rise closely. The 48-year-old built a reputation in Montreal before elevating Columbus Crew, transforming them into one of MLS’s most cohesive and attack-minded teams.
His work in developing younger players and improving the collective structure has been praised by several respected figures across North America. Celtic, aware of the need for long-term progress alongside short-term results, see Nancy’s methods as aligning with their footballing identity.
The criticism also overlooks the reality of Celtic’s managerial market. The club operate under a particular financial model, one that often prioritises progressive coaching profiles over box-office names.
Postecoglou faced similar scepticism when he arrived from Yokohama F. Marinos, only to leave as a treble-winning manager who restored Celtic’s fast, aggressive style.
Whether Nancy can replicate that is impossible to know in advance, but dismissing his credentials purely because he works in MLS ignores the quality of coaching within the league.
The scrutiny will only intensify once he arrives, but the Frenchman will have the opportunity to answer the doubts on the pitch.
As the club prepares to usher in a new era, voices like Jordan’s will continue to circle, yet ultimately it will be results, style and progression that determine whether this appointment was the right call.
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3 responses
WTF is this recent obsession with Simon Jordon, whoever the feck he is? Seems he never has anything good to say regarding Celtic so why report his rubbish?
Agree with above re Jordan. However I think Celtic have gone with a cheap option once again, not only that, with any coach worth his salt unlikely to come to Celtic, where the board runs the football, they needed someone like this, dying to get a foot in European football, so willing to except anything.
He is a man that loves himself and wants people to say his name one of those people go on those reallty shites so people remeber his face someone you could not debate with cause he always thinks hes right know all f–k all