Wilfried Nancy’s tenure as Celtic manager has been nothing short of a nightmare debut. In less than two weeks, the Frenchman is already under intense scrutiny following three consecutive, demoralising losses.
The nightmare run began with a defeat to Hearts, followed by a punishing loss against AS Roma in the Europa League. The devastating crescendo arrived last weekend with a decisive 3-1 defeat to St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup final—a result that sealed a painful treble of losses.
Scales Apologises to Fans Amid Turmoil
Following the Hampden defeat, Republic of Ireland defender Liam Scales offered an unreserved apology to the Celtic faithful.
“Just obviously really disappointed,” Scales said. “I think the fans deserve an apology for the performances and the results last week. We know it’s not good enough, and we want to pull together and really adapt and be a better team. We’re really going to work hard to do that.”
The immediate focus must now switch to the Premiership, where Celtic are six points behind leaders Hearts, albeit with two crucial games in hand. Their first chance at redemption comes on Wednesday against Dundee United. (Watch Dundee United vs Celtic live on SPOTV NOW.)
Scales was quick to stress the need for a swift mental reset ahead of the vital midweek fixture.
“We don’t have much time to sulk,” he stated bluntly. “We have another game in three days. We will come in, train tomorrow, and recover. I think the best thing to do is to get it out of our system by midnight tonight; that’s it. You’ve got to just get on with things. You take the time to sort of be angry, sad, whatever tonight, but after that, it’s got to just be put out the window.”
Nancy Asks for Trust, Vows to Act
Nancy, for his part, acknowledged the palpable frustration from the supporters but pleaded for patience and trust in his tactical vision.
“I tell them that I want to do better for sure,” he said after the cup final. “But I am asking them, not to be patient, but to trust what I am going to say regarding what I can see we are trying to do.”
The manager admitted that while he sees glimpses of potential, it is not enough. “My point is, I can see something good, but this is not enough. We are not able to be consistent,” he explained.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, he concluded by stating his intention to stop talking and start delivering. “I can understand the fans. It is totally normal. I can ask the fans to believe in me and to trust I can do things, but that is not my job. I have to act instead of talking.“
