Celtic’s rough run continues but optimism remains
Wilfried Nancy insisted on a forward-looking approach as Celtic slipped to a sixth defeat in eight games following a derby loss to Rangers. The defeat stung the squad and supporters, but the Celtic manager stressed that he remains “together with the board” and believes the club can halt the slide with a focused plan and renewed collective effort.
Reading the room: unity with the board and fans
In the wake of a challenging spell, Nancy highlighted the importance of stability and alignment across the club’s leadership and playing staff. “We are together with the board,” he said, reiterating his confidence in the management structure and the pathways being laid out for a post-derby turnaround. The message underscored a manager who sees the bigger picture: a club with depth, ambition, and resources to reverse a run of losses.
Signals of improvement in a difficult spell
While the final scoreline of the Rangers game reflected a tough night, Nancy pointed to a compelling first half that demonstrated the quality still present in the squad. He described the opening period as “outstanding” and indicated that the team’s issues were not rooted in attitude but in execution and decision-making under pressure.
The challenge, he argued, is translating a strong performance into a result more consistently, something he believes can be achieved with minor adjustments in structure and focus during training sessions.
What needs to change: tactics, personnel, and mentality
The manager hinted at a recalibration of Celtic’s approach, with discussions about shape, pressing intensity, and goal conversion likely on the agenda. The squad’s depth should offer options, yet integrating fresh ideas with continuity remains a delicate balance. Nancy stressed that changes are part of the process rather than a reactionary overhaul, a stance aimed at sustaining momentum for a late-season push.
Looking ahead: fixtures, belief, and the path back
Celtic’s schedule will test the newly consolidating plans, featuring league fixtures and domestic cup commitments that can help regain confidence. For Nancy, the route to improvement hinges on a combination of disciplined defense, sharper attacking threat, and a collective belief that “we can turn things around”. With key players returning from injury and others stepping up, the manager is counting on a wave of momentum to counterbalance the rough spell.
Supporters and the broader context
The derby defeat did not only sting on the scoreboard; it amplified expectations around a club with a proud trophy cabinet. Supporters remain hopeful that the current manager’s plan aligns with the club’s tradition of resilience and development. If Nancy can translate narrative optimism into consistent results, Celtic will likely see a resurgence that resonates across Ibrox rivalries and domestic campaigns alike.
Bottom line
Wilfried Nancy’s press conference painted a picture of a manager who is calm under pressure and confident in a structured plan. With patience from the board, a supportive squad, and the capacity to adjust tactics without sacrificing identity, Celtic have the tools to reverse their form. The upcoming fixtures will be a crucial test of whether the opening phase of this project yields the tangible returns that fans crave.
