Wilfried Nancy has opened up on the open dialogue taking place within the Celtic squad as he works to embed his philosophy during a hectic run of fixtures, and admits it’s far from the ideal situation to overhaul a team mid-season.
The Frenchman took over in the middle of a demanding schedule, without the luxury of a pre-season, or even a midweek off, and has already seen the challenges of introducing a new system while trying to win matches under intense scrutiny.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s League Cup Final at Hampden, Nancy shared how he’s trying to balance tactical demands with player input.
“Now what is good is with my group, we have open discussion regarding everything; the system, the way we play, the way we attack, the way we defend, because I want them to feel good also regarding what we want to do,” he told the Daily Record.
“My job is not to arrive and say, ‘This is how we’re going to play, so we have to do this, and you shut your mouth’.
“I’m not like that. This is a project, this is why I want to do this, this is the big picture, now we’re going to try to do it step by step, knowing that I have to slow down everything that I want to do.”
Nancy’s work has been further complicated by a squad lacking in key areas. He admitted earlier this week that he doesn’t yet know his best XI, though his half-time triple change against Roma, introducing Kelechi Iheanacho, Paulo Bernardo and Colby Donovan, could hint at his thinking for Sunday.
“Usually this is during the pre-season, but again, I accept the challenge, and I’m here for that. It’s new for me also but we are all on the same boat, and I can feel the good energy with my players, knowing that this is not an easy task, but everybody knows that.”
With the January window looming, Nancy will hope to bring in players more suited to his style. For now, though, it’s about working with what he’s got and winning the first trophy of the season would go a long way to easing the transition.
Sunday is absolutely massive for the manager, who really needs a win to get the supporters off his back and some confidence in the squad.
He’s saying the opposite thing of what he’s literally just done. It doesn’t make what he says true. He’s a liar because he implemented his kamikaze system no one wanted.
The players wanted Martin O’Neill. A footballer never plays to lose but Saint Mirren will win the cup tomorrow. And deservedly so.
Bring back Martin O’Neill. What they’ve done to the squad with this uninspiring manager.
We deserve better. Sack him in the morning.
Energetic, motivated manager with something to prove and knowledge of modern football.
70 odd year old, virtually retired manager who himself confessed didn’t want the permanent job… plus Shaun Maloney.
🤔