- Wilfried Nancy has lost all four games since taking charge on December 4, 2025: defeats to Hearts (1-2), Roma (0-3), St Mirren (1-3 in League Cup final), and Dundee United (1-2).
- Celtic trail league leaders Hearts by six points, with games in hand but mounting pressure on the new manager.
- Chairman Peter Lawwell resigned on December 17, citing intolerable abuse and threats affecting his family.
- Fans express growing frustration, with calls for change amid off-pitch turmoil and on-field struggles.
- Upcoming home match against Aberdeen on Sunday offers a critical chance for Nancy’s first win.
Wilfried Nancy’s arrival at Celtic FC promised fresh attacking football, but his early tenure has plunged the club into turmoil. Four consecutive defeats—the worst start for any Celtic manager—have eroded confidence, amplified by chairman Peter Lawwell’s resignation amid fan abuse. As the Scottish Premiership champions grapple with this downturn, scrutiny falls on the appointment process, tactical adjustments, and board decisions.
Nancy, appointed from MLS side Columbus Crew, inherited a squad stabilized by interim boss Martin O’Neill. Yet, results have deteriorated sharply, exposing vulnerabilities in defense and finishing. The latest setback—a 2-1 loss at Dundee United on December 17—highlighted missed chances and second-half collapses, despite early dominance.
| Date | Opponent | Competition | Result | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 7 | Hearts | Scottish Premiership | 1-2 | Home defeat; poor start |
| December 11 | Roma | UEFA Europa League | 0-3 | Heavy home loss; booed off |
| December 14 | St Mirren | Premier Sports Cup Final | 1-3 | Title defense ended |
| December 17 | Dundee United | Scottish Premiership | 1-2 | Comeback conceded; fan anger peaks |
The Wilfried Nancy Celtic era began with optimism on December 3, 2025, when the club announced his two-and-a-half-year deal. The 48-year-old Frenchman, celebrated for MLS success including the 2023 Cup win and 2024 Coach of the Year honors, vowed “exciting, attacking, winning football.” Chief executive Michael Nicholson called him the “number one candidate,” praising his track record.
Reality struck quickly. Nancy’s debut ended in a 2-1 home loss to Hearts, followed by a 3-0 Europa League thrashing by Roma that left Celtic near the bottom of their group. The Premier Sports Cup final defeat to St Mirren marked a trophy surrender, intensifying boos and protests.
The Dundee United reversal epitomized issues: Daizen Maeda’s early goal raised hopes, but missed opportunities—including a Johnny Kenny chance—proved costly. Dundee United capitalized post-half-time, with goals sealing Celtic’s fourth straight loss. Nancy acknowledged fan frustration but insisted on positives: “We are improving… keep the faith.”
His prior MLS season with Columbus—seventh-place finish, early playoff exit—now invites reevaluation. Questions swirl: How rigorous was the search? Influences like director Paul Tisdale’s past connections with assistant Kwame Ampadu factor in, yet transparency remains limited.
Off-pitch events compounded woes. Peter Lawwell’s December 17 resignation, effective December 31, cited escalating abuse impacting his family. A long-serving figure overseeing major developments, Lawwell’s exit—amid assaults on staff post-cup final—signals deep dysfunction. Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond expressed regret, while Nicholson affirmed “absolutely solid” backing for Nancy, planning January reinforcements.
Fan sentiment has shifted dramatically. Initial skepticism over Nancy’s MLS background grew into outright anger, with chants demanding change. Missed summer signings and injuries—to players like Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Jota—hamper efforts, but tactical confusion and fading intensity draw criticism.
Nancy seeks context: inexperienced options up front, absent stars. Yet, opponents exploit weaknesses, out-coaching Celtic in key moments. He consulted briefly with O’Neill but passed on deeper insights—a decision now questioned given the legendary manager’s understanding of Celtic’s demands.
Winning remains paramount at Parkhead, aesthetics secondary. Nancy speaks of process and time, but patience wears thin. Aberdeen’s visit looms as pivotal: defeat could mark five losses, unseen since 1947.
Broader challenges persist: Europa League survival hangs by a thread, domestic gap widens. Nicholson promises support across windows, expressing optimism.
Celtic stands at a crossroads. Nancy appears a decent individual in a high-pressure role, but results define success. Board accountability—recruitment, appointments—shares blame. Healing requires dignity amid threats and division.
As Aberdeen arrives sensing opportunity, the fear factor has vanished. For Nancy and Celtic, turnaround starts now—or risks irreversible damage in this storied institution.
