Wilfried Nancy has conceded the pressure on him at Celtic is intense after what can only be described as a “catastrophic” first fortnight in Scottish football, but insists he doesn’t need to prove himself to his critics as his side prepares for a huge game in hand against Dundee United on Wednesday night.
No Celtic manager in the club’s long history has ever lost their first three matches in charge, and Nancy’s start has been exactly that.
Defeats to Hearts, Roma and St Mirren have left supporters frustrated and expectations at boiling point. A win on Wednesday is essential if Celtic are to pull back ground on Hearts and reassert themselves in the Premiership.
Despite that burden, the Frenchman remains defiant while acknowledging the heat he’s under. Nancy made a strikingly honest admission about how he’s feeling as he tries to steady the ship.
As quoted by RecordSport, he said:
“I’m grateful to be here because Celtic is Celtic. It’s as simple as that. But again, it comes back to results. I am craving to win games – not to shut the mouth of everybody. I don’t do this battle.
“But just for my players, just for the board, just for the club. For me life is like that. People might think I’m an idealist as a person but not at all.
“I know exactly who I am and exactly where I want to go. And I know at this moment, yeah my ass is burning! But stay strong and do what you need to do to be better.”
Nancy is clearly feeling the weight of expectation, but he’s also making no bones about his desire to improve and guide his side out of turmoil. Celtic’s recent run has been poor by any standard, and the challenge now is simple: start winning again.
Wednesday’s clash with Dundee United gives Nancy his first real chance to turn the tide. A win would lift spirits, get points on the board and take the pressure off ahead of a crucial winter period. Lose, and the scrutiny which is already intense will only grow louder.
