Former Ireland international and current MLS pundit Kevin Kilbane believes Wilfried Nancy is a shrewd appointment should he be announced as the new Celtic manager…
Speaking to Betway, Kilbane, who is a self-confessed Celtic supporter, says that Nancy is an exceptional coach and is someone who has gone under the radar in terms of managerial opportunities.
Asked if he had seen much of the Columbus Crew and their manager, Wilfried Nancy and if so does he think he would he be a good fit for Celtic, Kilbane said:
“Yes, I’ve seen a lot of him. Wilfried Nancy was at CF Montréal before he went to Columbus. Montréal had one of the lowest budgets in MLS, and they really overachieved under Nancy. They had Victor Wanyama, who was instrumental in Nancy’s team, but still, the resources were tiny.
“Nancy took over from Thierry Henry. I don’t know the full circumstances of Henry’s exit, but Nancy was his assistant and stepped in. And what he did in those two years was phenomenal. He took CF Montréal, with such a low budget, to the playoffs. In his last year there, I genuinely felt they were contenders to go on and win it – it just didn’t quite happen.
“He brought through Ismaël Koné, who went to Watford for five million, and that player was signed from Marseille for fifteen million and is now playing in Serie A at Sassuolo. Nancy got performances out of players who weren’t really excelling before. He found a system that suited them perfectly.
“Things happened at Montréal – he didn’t sign a new contract – and then he went to Columbus. Columbus had good players, and they were clearly looking to bring in a coach like him, but you never saw them as serious MLS Cup contenders. And he won it in his first year at Columbus.
“He honestly did remarkable things. Within MLS, what he’s achieved has been outstanding.
“He’s a really, really good coach. I’ve spoken to him quite a lot, actually – had conversations with him on the phone when he was in Montréal. Tactically, he’s incredible. Brilliant to speak to. He understands the game, he understands players, he’s a players’ coach. Very calm, doesn’t get overexcited on the touchline, doesn’t go looking for attention.
“So, when I saw him linked with the Celtic job, I knew a lot of Celtic supporters would be asking, “Who’s this guy?” But I can assure you – and I’m a Celtic fan myself – I was really happy when I saw his name linked. I thought, if they can get him in, this would be one that sneaks under the radar.
“He’s an exceptional coach – genuinely – and I think he could go really well at Celtic.
“Now, I’m not saying it will happen. I saw this week that Martin O’Neill is being extended in the position until the managerial search is completed. But if they get Nancy in, mark my words: it would not be a bad appointment. Far from it.
“Because of what he’s done over here, because of the coach he is, I think he’s ready for the next step. And Celtic, over the years, have occasionally gone a bit off the wall with appointments. Nancy would be one who could really bring success.”
The full interview can be found here.
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