Wilfried Nancy already at risk of Celtic sack vs St Mirren – ‘Sky could fall in’
Wilfried Nancy has walked into an absolute minefield after replacing Martin O’Neill as Celtic manager.
Celtic fans were emotional to see O’Neill step down, having won seven of his eight games in charge, but there was excitement over the new boss, who was arriving from the MLS.
However, after Celtic’s 3-0 defeat to AS Roma in the Europa League on Thursday, 11 December, Nancy has now lost both of his games in charge, with St Mirren up next in the League Cup final.
Supporters at Celtic Park are already calling for Nancy’s head, with the boss suggesting that he saw positive signs in the European defeat, but a timeline now appears to have emerged for his future.
With a clash at Hampden Park on Sunday, 14 December, and the chance of silverware, the Frenchman might already be running out of time to impress.
Celtic could already sack Wilfried Nancy with Scottish Cup defeat
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, transcribed by BBC Sport (11 December, 10:27pm), Tom English said: “They’re in a tricky spot now, Celtic. I think there’s a huge uncertainty in the team.
“If they don’t win on Sunday, the sky could fall in. They have to win it,” and he was not the only one raising questions over the new manager’s tenure at Celtic Park.
Joe Hart added [BBC Sport, 11 December]: “It’s not easy for a new manager and new system, but it’s not rocket science. He’s got to learn quick. Sunday is huge now. I don’t know if he knows what he’s walked into.“
Nancy has been backed by some at Celtic Park, with the manager just two games into his tenure, but a defeat to St Mirren, and it could all be over at Hampden Park.
What did Nancy think of Celtic’s performance vs Roma?
It is fair to say that the supporters have not taken well to Nancy’s post-match comments, with the boss suggesting that he saw “good things” during the defeat.
Many will be wondering exactly what those things were, and with three unanswered goals being conceded, a penalty missed, an own goal, and a lack of opportunities created, the question is valid.
Arne Engels smashed the base of the post with his spot-kick, spurning the Hoops’ only real chance of getting on the scoreboard, leaving them 24th in the Europa League standings.
The only positive will be from their Old Firm rivals. Rangers lost 2-1 to Ferencvaros to knock them out of the competition, and that is likely where the only joy is coming from right now at Celtic Park.
Celtic normally always turn up for the big games in Scotland, but anything could happen under new management.