Celtic’s next three games – A daunting start for Nancy or an early shot at glory?

As of yesterday morning, Wilfried Nancy is now the Celtic manager.

It took a while.

This is the first time since 1993 that the club have appointed a permanent manager, mid-season.

There’s a reason for this.

It’s never ideal to wipe the tactics board clean and start again mid way through the campaign.

Generally, managers are only appointed via necessity.

Sacked or resigned due to failure or head hunted due to their success.

What makes this situation unique, riskier than usual is that Celtic have now steadied after a dreadful opening.

This Celtic team has won 7 of their last 8 fixtures.

Nancy, 48, is being tasked with fixing something that isn’t quite as broken as it was.

There’s about to be three centre backs instead of two.

Full backs are about to become wing backs.

In general the playbook is about to be ripped up.

Players are about to be taking instruction from their 3rd manager this season.

It’s fair to expect teething problems.

Wilfried Nancy, in his own words, which might just turn out to be music to Celtic fan’s ears – Read Celtic

The Frenchman will have the opportunity to acquire more bespoke player profiles for his preferred formation in January’s transfer window.

Still, a long injury list and busy fixture schedule means there’s plenty of storm to navigate before he reaches that port.

The club has been desperate for this new direction, for new ideas and heroes.

But is the timing right?

We’ll find out very shortly.

His first hurdles are Hearts(H), Roma(H) and St. Mirren at Hampden in the League Cup Final.

All in the space of eight days.

A daunting start but also a massive opportunity.

A chance to set him up for a season to remember.

Having clawed back Hearts’ lead, Celtic can put the boot in with victory on Sunday and go three point clear.

With a game in hand.

Hearts have now won one game in their last six.

The writing is on the wall.

Nancy can underline it on Sunday.

Roma at Celtic Park in the Europa League gives him a go at a big scalp, early into his tenure.

Exclusive Interview: Wilfried Nancy (4/12/25) – YouTube

It’s not a stretch to say that this will be the most prestigious opposition he has managed against in his career.

A real opportunity to validate himself and the sneered upon MLS.

After the heroics in Rotterdam, three points would almost guarantee progression to the knock-outs in February.

Whilst many see this Europa campaign as a hindrance this season, it may be fair to suggest it’s a big reason Nancy took the job.

The most immediate reward, the cherry on top so to speak, it the League Cup Final v St.Mirren.

Winning a trophy only 10 days after starting is not something afforded to most managers.

Again, consistently competing for silverware was probably a big reason for Nancy to make the move.

Win all 3 or get a combination of positive results and the season starts to look very different.

Expectations have been diluted up to this point but this would represent more than just salvaging the season.

Nancy is backing himself.

My number one aim will be simple: to give our fans a strong, exciting, attacking, winning football team they can be so proud of. As a coach sometimes we don’t have the formula. This is a mix of everything. At the end of the day you have to be authentic and genuine as a person because this is who you are with your players.

Going into January with the first domestic trophy, a decent lead in the league table and a shot at the Europa knockouts would be a perfect start.

Four of his first six are at home and this is ideal.

Allowing him to get his feet under the table and implement his plan.

By that point we’ll be in January.

The opportunity then, will be to add real quality in numbers, to this inadequately assembled squad.

YouTube: Exclusive Interview: Wilfried Nancy (4/12/25)