Celtic loanee Julian Araujo has explained that the opportunity to work under Wilfried Nancy played a significant role in his decision to join the club from Bournemouth on a short-term deal…
Julian Araujo of Celtic – new loan signing from Bournemouth at Celtic Team Training on 2 January 2026. Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
The Mexico defender has voiced belief in the Frenchman’s ability to succeed in the Scottish game, insisting early setbacks should not define Nancy’s tenure at Celtic.
Unveiled to the mainstream media at Lennoxtown on Friday, Araujo’s introduction came on the same day Nancy delivered an impassioned defence of his tactical approach and leadership style.
With a potential Glasgow Derby debut against theRangers on the horizon this lunchtime, the 24-year-old made clear his support for the manager, stressing that patience and backing – rather than calls for change – are required as Nancy finds his feet in Glasgow.
Julian Araujo of Celtic – new loan signing from Bournemouth at Celtic Team Training on 2 January 2026. Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
Speaking via The Herald, Araujo said: “I played against him in the MLS and the way his teams played was very hard for us to defend against. It was very hard to get the ball off them and they were also a high pressing team so I feel, with my style of play, I can do what he asks of me. That was something that really drew me to it.”
“That was a very big part in why I made my decision to come here. I’ve played in a back five and adjusted to a back five with my national team. I also know my characteristic is always to run up and down the field, overlapping the right winger.”
“And I know that, in a back five, you’ve got to just run, do what you have to do and cover your centre back. So I think I can help the team in that way.”
Julian Araujo of Celtic – new loan signing from Bournemouth at Celtic Team Training on 2 January 2026. Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
Questioned whether he was aware of calls for Nancy to be sacked, Araujio said: “Yeah, I’m aware of that but I feel everybody needs time. I feel like the whole squad is behind him, the energy in the dressing room. They all know the position we are in but I feel they all want to get out of it. They are all behind the manager.”
“Like myself, anyone who comes in needs a bit of time to adjust to the players around you. He’s brought a new system in but everybody just needs to get behind him and support him because I’ve played against his teams and I know what they can do. He’s won a championship before and he can bring that success to this club.”
Asked if whether Nancy can implement the similar style of play he implemented in the MLS, the Mexican responded: “Before I even came here I watched some games and you could see that. In the game against Aberdeen they hit the post maybe 15 times in the first 20 minutes! They could have won that game 15-0 but they were just unlucky. That’s just part of the game.”
“When a new manager comes in, as players you just have to flick that switch inside your own head. I’ve had to do it before when a new manager comes in with a new system. It’s about adapting and having that time and trust in the manager.”
Julian Araujo of Celtic – new loan signing from Bournemouth at Celtic Team Training on 2 January 2026. Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
Looking ahead to today’s Glasgow Derby, the new Hoops defender insists he is ready to go. “I’ve played in the derby between Mexico and the US. And that’s a big derby,” he said.
“I’ve also played derbies in the MLS. But Mexico-USA is crazy. For me, it’s the best but it’s tough. You go out there and it’s not really about playing football, it’s about who has got the biggest cajones! You just have to fight and grind it out.”
Julian Araujo of Celtic – new loan signing from Bournemouth at Celtic Team Training on 2 January 2026. Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
“So, for me, this derby is just another game. We’ve got to stay humble and keep our feet on the ground. We know what the game is about and what it means to the fans. But it’s about us going out there, implementing what the coach wants from us and playing with confidence.”
🗣️ “The Celtic players look directionless. The squad is in dire need of major surgery.”
Celtic fan Conor Spence from the Celtic Star reflects on the Motherwell defeat, Wilfried Nancy’s future and Saturday’s Old Firm – live on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/SRaCuTU1aS
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 31, 2025
Conor Spence
Celtic in the Thirties – Both Volumes Half in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…
Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. ORDER NOW!
Both volumes of Celtic in the Thirties are now available on Amazon Kindle, with the links to order below. Signed copies of both volumes are available on hardback from Celtic Star Books and if you would like author Matt Corr to add a special dedication to your copies please let us know. Order hardback copies HERE or for Amazon Kindle click on the links below…
Click to order Volume One
Click to order Volume Two
