Wilfried Nancy’s tenure as Celtic manager has begun under an intense spotlight, but despite a difficult start, the club’s hierarchy remain firmly behind their new head coach.
Four defeats in his opening four matches have inevitably raised concerns among supporters, yet those inside Celtic Park insist patience and perspective are required as Nancy attempts to implement his philosophy.
The 48-year-old arrived in Glasgow with a reputation as a progressive, ideas-driven coach, but his first two weeks in charge have been unforgiving. Defeats to Hearts, Roma, St Mirren and Dundee United represent Celtic’s worst run at the start of a managerial reign since 1978, a statistic that has amplified external pressure and fuelled calls for immediate change.
Betting markets also offering a 300% casino bonus have slashed the odds on Nancy leaving, but though many thought he would go after the Dundee United defeat, the board has made it clear they are not panicking.
According to Sky Sports News, Nancy recently held a routine meeting with the club hierarchy to discuss plans going forward, recruitment strategy, and broader topics such as adapting to life in Scotland and security. Far from being a crisis summit, the discussions were framed around long-term planning. Celtic’s decision-makers are said to be fully aligned with Nancy’s vision and supportive of his desire to change the system immediately, even if the early results have been painful.
Internally, there is a belief that the opening matches have provided valuable clarity. By persisting with his approach rather than reverting to familiar methods, Nancy is giving the club a clearer understanding of which players can adapt to his system and which areas of the squad require reinforcement. This assessment is expected to shape recruitment in both the January and summer transfer windows. That stance was reiterated on Wednesday afternoon when CEO Michael Nicholson confirmed to Celtic TV that talks had taken place with Nancy regarding recruitment across the next two windows.
Support for Nancy has also come from one of football’s most respected voices. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sports Personality of the Year 2025, Thierry Henry urged calm amid the growing noise around Celtic’s struggles.
“I see people calling for Wilfried to leave the place,” Henry said. “As a coach myself, I think it’s too early to say that. Let him work and let him cook and judge him maybe at the end of the season.” Henry acknowledged the challenges facing a new manager attempting to impose a fresh identity, adding: “It’s tough to come and try to impose your philosophy and your identity at a club… playing another way. Right now it’s too early, and I do think he can turn it around.”
While Henry conceded that “it’s not working at the moment and obviously it doesn’t look great,” his overall message was one of patience. “You don’t want any coach to lose their job that early. It doesn’t make sense to me,” he said.
For now, Celtic appear to share that sentiment. Results will ultimately dictate Nancy’s fate, but the board’s backing suggests they see these early setbacks not as a reason to retreat, but as part of a difficult transition period. Whether that faith is rewarded will become clearer as the season unfolds.
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