Major League Soccer pundit Tony Meola believes Wilfried Nancy has all the attributes required to succeed in the Celtic hot seat despite a difficult start…
The Celtic boss has begun to steady the ship after halting a run of four straight defeats with back-to-back victories against Aberdeen then Livingston at the weekend, though scepticism remains among sections of the support.
Questions have been raised over his tactical decisions – particularly his immediate commitment to a 3-4-2-1 system – with critics suggesting the squad may not be naturally suited to that setup.
Others have also debated whether the Frenchman possesses the temperament to cope with the relentless scrutiny that comes with the role.
However, former US international and MLS analyst Tony Meola has dismissed those concerns, speaking positively about Nancy after interviewing him and observing his work at close quarters over in the States.
Meola also pointed to Nancy’s experience managing massive fixtures in MLS, including the fiercely contested ‘Hell is Real’ derby between Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati, as evidence he would not be fazed by the intensity of facing theRangers next Saturday in his first taste of the Glasgow Derby.
Speaking via Daily Record, Meola said: “Character? Not a problem at all. You guys will see it in press conference number one. As much freedom as he gives, it’s going to be Wilfried’s way or no way. The intensity won’t be a problem. He’ll relish it. The Old Firm (sic) derbies, the lot.”
“He’s had the Hell is Real derby here. You’ve got to go watch those games. They’re as intense as they get. Some recognise it as the best derby in the league. There are some other really good ones, but that’s massive.
“The intensity is incredible. It’s fiery, it gets pretty feisty on the pitch. Obviously, it doesn’t have the history of other derbies round the world. Our league is just not that old compared to leagues in Europe.
“But I’ve had European friends that have come over and tasted it. They feel like they’re in Europe at a major derby. It’s great. It never fails. If you came to see it you wouldn’t feel like it’s too far out of place, you would feel right at home.”
Meola continued: “The Hell Is Real thing started with a sign that was halfway between those two cities. Okay they’re not sharing a city and there might be about 140 kilometres between them. But when they collide on either side of the divide then it’s massive.
“Wilfried is made for this challenge at Celtic. You talk about 24-7 over there. Well it’s 24-7 here as well. I don’t know that we scrutinise the managers the way that maybe they are there. I get that part. Maybe we do it in a different way.
“But you’re going to see Wilfried Nancy is 24-7. His brain, his soccer brain doesn’t turn off at all. Listen, I played with Mo Johnston who has a different history with Celtic than maybe some other people might have, right?
“So I have a real grasp for what he’s getting into. Wilfried will thrive there. More importantly, the players will thrive there. I’m excited for him. He’s going to get a lot of follows from the US because I’m sure everybody is interested in what Wilfried does now with a big club like Celtic.”
Conor Spence
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I can totally understand the scepticism surrounding the appointment of Nancy as manager.
Especially as got reservations myself as to whether he will be a huge success, at present myself?
However, i do admire his bravery at what he is trying to install into our team.
And can’t recall any manager for ourselves, been dealt a worse hand, than what Nancy is currently trying to overcome imo?
An injury list that is made up of, CCV, Aj, Saracchi, Kelchi and Osmand would hurt any manager for ourselves, in his position. All players that I believe would fit nicely in his system imo?
Hardly helps with reduced options with Seb and balikwisha being away, despite taking a bit longer than expected to settle into our club?
No shortage of development players available to himself, but way to early to say if much success can be achieved within them?
Donovan looks our best prospect at present imo.
Even so, wont be holding the development issue against him either, especially as it’s remained idle for years now, with limited success in the transfer market to date.
Hopefully in time Nancy can improve upon that issue within our club?
Still unknown just how many players, could be looking at there careers elsewhere?
Still suspect it is higher than what is a healthy position, for Nancy squad wise imo?
Possibly makes the decision making for January, a harder process for himself to be dealing with also?
So overall, taking on the job available within our club, was never going to be an easy task, for any potential manager.
Still doubt we were spoilt with candidates willing to take the job on, with the amount of circumstances involved, especially with the lack of unity between board and support?
Regardless, 2 victories in our next 2 matches will place ourselves in the rightful position of top of the SPFL.
Nothing to suggest that it can’t or won’t be achieved, even if confidence levels are lower, than we have became use to in recent times?
Nancy, players and our support need these 2 victories to change the feelings within our club at present imo?
Anything less then the scepticism only grows, with the pressure levels increasing upon himself?
Somehow still remain optimistic, that he can achieve the likes for ourselves.
The alternative is possibly the last thing we need, in a calendar year of 25 that’s had so much uncertainty within it?