Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo has voiced confidence in Wilfried Nancy’s tactical approach, suggesting the system mirrors the modern, flexible framework previously deployed by Ruben Amorim during his time at Sporting Lisbon….
The Portuguese midfielder was restored to the starting XI in Celtic’s 2-1 loss away to Dundee United at Tannadice on Wednesday night, a setback that extended Nancy’s difficult start in charge to four consecutive defeats.
The latest defeat intensified frustration among the travelling support and online, with sections of the fanbase openly questioning the club’s decision to appoint the Frenchman in the first place.
Bernardo reiterated squad’s backing of Nancy
Despite the mounting pressure, Bernardo has reiterated the squad’s backing of Nancy – who succeeded Martin O’Neill – stressing that belief in the manager’s philosophy remains strong even as results on the pitch continue to fall short.
“Some players have some preferences, and some coaches have some preferences,” Bernardo said via Celtic’s official YouTube channel. “Our coach likes the back three or back five, so we just need to go with that.”
“I don’t mind playing with a back three or back four. I think it’s all about balance in the team. I saw Sporting in the Portuguese league playing as a back three with Ruben Amorim, and no one believed it could be good, and they win back to back championship for the first time in a long period of time.”
“So, it could be a good thing. I don’t see it as a bad thing. But yeah, of course, some players have some preference on that, but the coach believes in this system. We just need to stick together and find a solution.”
Celtic will return to action on Sunday afternoon when they welcome Aberdeen to Celtic Park, with the fixture scheduled to take place shortly after theRangers’ trip to face Hearts at Tynecastle. Whatever happens in these two games Hearts will be top of the league at Christmas.
Here’s Paulo Bernardo’s media conference ahead of Sunday’s must win match against Aberdeen on Sunday at Celtic Park.
Conor Spence
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