Celtic have ‘deep-dived’ Wilfried Nancy deal, assistant manager drops ‘big’ verdict
Celtic should be appointing a manager with more experience in European football as they continue to search for their next permanent boss, a former player has told the club.
Brendan Rodgers’ resignation from Celtic has left the club without a permanent manager for the past four matches.
Martin O’Neill is happy to stay on at Celtic, as he takes charge of the team whilst the club make their next appointment.
Wilfried Nancy has been compared to Luis Enrique, as the Frenchman is one manager being considered by the Celtic board.
Former Celtic player against Wilfried Nancy arrival
Former Celtic and Rangers striker Kenny Miller is currently assistant manager of Atalanta United in the MLS and came across Nancy and his Columbus Crew side twice last season.
Based off his experience against Nancy and having experienced football in America and Scotland, Miller does not believe the appointment would be a good one for Celtic.
“Personally, I wouldn’t be. I think it’s a big, big job,” Miller said as per the Daily Record, [13 November].
“For me, it’s a gamble. Every appointment is a gamble, that’s the thing. There is no guarantees.
“I have not looked into him the way I hope Celtic have. They have obviously deep-dived it, but I think it’s a big, big gamble to go to someone with that experience, from that league, to not just come to Celtic or Rangers, but in the current predicament they are at, I think it’s a big, big challenge.
| Games Managed | 215 |
| Games Won | 109 |
| Games Drawn | 48 |
| Games Lost | 58 |
“I just think coming into that environment to Glasgow – forget the Scottish league, to Glasgow – with Celtic and Rangers and now how Hearts have started, it’s a big, big ask at this moment in time for someone who has no experience of European football, Scottish football and has had, what, four seasons as manager? It’s a big ask.”
Nancy has one advantage over other candidates
Nancy is immediately available for Celtic, whilst other targets like Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna and Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen remain in the middle of their seasons.
Bodo/Glimt’s domestic campaign has concluded, but the Norwegian club remain in the Champions League, with the league phase not set to end until the end of January.
Celtic are in the midst of one of their most challenging seasons in recent history, with the club seven points behind Hearts in the Scottish Premiership title race and 27th in the Europa League table.