Wilfried Nancy has responded to comments from Roma striker Evan Ferguson, after the Irishman questioned the organisation of Celtic’s team in Thursday’s Europa League defeat at Parkhead.
Ferguson, who netted twice in the first half to help the Serie A side to a comfortable 3-0 win, pulled no punches in his post-match comments. The 21-year-old forward, who has previously spoken of his fondness for Celtic, suggested Nancy’s side looked disjointed and uncertain in their roles.
“I think we obviously knew they were in the transition from the manager and stuff and they changed the formation,” he said. “You could see at times they played well and it worked, at times they didn’t. Some people didn’t know what they were doing.”
Asked about Ferguson’s remarks, Nancy wasn’t rattled.
The Frenchman accepted the criticism calmly in the Herald, while backing his players to improve.
“He can say whatever he wants,” said Nancy. “The difficulty is, we faced a good team, like I said. At certain moments we struggled and it could have been better for sure. But, yes, my players know what to do. The execution was not good at this moment and that and if he felt it I have no problem.”
The Celtic boss is still looking for his first win in charge and now faces a huge test on Sunday, as his side take on St Mirren in the League Cup final at Hampden.
Celtic have the chance to lift their first piece of silverware this season in a 3.30 pm kick off.
It’s Wilfried Nancy’s third game in charge and his first final since taking over ten days ago.
After defeats to Hearts and Roma, the new manager will be desperate to secure his first win, and what better way to do it than with a trophy at Hampden?
