Richard Keys: I received one-word message about Wilfried Nancy after texting US source about Celtic boss
Wilfried Nancy has lost all three of his opening games in charge of Celtic in what has been a horrific start to his tenure.
Nancy arrived at Celtic less than two weeks ago, but the Frenchman is already facing immense pressure at Celtic Park.
The Bhoys have lost to Hearts, Roma and St. Mirren in recent days, with the latter defeat coming in the Scottish League Cup final.
Celtic fans are already calling for Nancy to be sacked, with the 48-year-old appearing out of his depth.
Football Insider revealed on Monday, however, that Celtic have no intention of sacking Nancy, with decision-makers keen to give him time to adapt.
Richard Keys tears into Wilfried Nancy
Nancy was captured attempting to give tactical instructions to a substituted Kieran Tierney during Sunday’s game, in a moment that summed up his early tenure.
While clearly just a misunderstanding, it was a video that told a story of the Frenchman’s failure to inspire confidence.
| Wilfried Nancy | Celtic |
| Games | 3 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Scored | 2 |
| Conceded | 8 |
Celtic have looked confused and wayward in each of their three matches under Nancy, losing all semblance of the drilled and coordinated team that had won five consecutive games under interim manager Martin O’Neill.
The 48-year-old has had much to adapt to in his short time in charge so far, having spent all of his previous managerial career in the MLS.
But Celtic is a club that demands results, and patience will not last forever, with it already having run out with many fans.
Richard Keys did not hold back in his early judgment of Nancy, slamming the Frenchman in his blog on Monday.
“When I heard he’d got the job I messaged a friend in the States and asked about him,” the journalist wrote. “I got a one word answer back. I’ll let you work out what it might have been. A clue is – it wasn’t flattering.
“Ok, it wasn’t the most exhaustive research, but the answer told me all I needed to know. I’m witnessing what I expected.
“What was it the professionals at Celtic were told I wonder? The appointment makes no sense at all. Worse – the timing was horrendous.”
Nancy was highly rated in the MLS
Despite what Keys’ friend may have said, Nancy undoubtedly carried high regard in the United States.
The former defender won the MLS Cup and the Leagues Cup with Columbus Crew in 2024, and was named MLS Coach of the Year.
His former side did not want him to leave, and many fans of opposition clubs celebrated Nancy’s departure once it became clear that he would take over at Celtic.
That does not mean the former CF Montreal boss will do well in Scotland – he already has a mountain to climb – but Celtic have certainly not hired someone incapable.
It will be up to Nancy himself to prove that in the coming weeks, however, with Wednesday’s trip to Dundee United already feeling absolutely crucial.