Picture this: A legendary football club, once dominating Scottish football, now stumbling through a nightmare season under a new manager who's meant to be the savior. That's Celtic right now, led by Wilfried Nancy, and as they head into the Old Firm derby against Rangers, the big question looms: Is their 'uncomfortable' side equipped to handle the pressure? But here's where it gets controversial – some fans and experts argue Nancy's tactics are fundamentally flawed, while others believe it's just a rocky start. Stick around, because this story of highs, lows, and heated debates is about to unfold in a way that might surprise you.
Image source, SNS
By Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland
Watch Motherwell v Celtic highlights
30/12/25
Celtic kicked off the year with a string of disappointments that would test any team's resolve. Starting with a lackluster defeat to Hearts, followed by a humbling lesson from Roma in European competition, they were then torn apart by St Mirren in the League Cup final – that's the Scottish cup competition where the top teams battle for domestic glory. Not stopping there, Dundee United also exposed their vulnerabilities.
Yet, glimmers of recovery emerged with two consecutive wins, netting seven goals against Aberdeen and Livingston, suggesting that perhaps Wilfried Nancy's reign at Celtic was beginning to stabilize and show signs of progress. For those new to football, these back-to-back victories felt like a breath of fresh air, hinting at better days ahead for the French manager.
But on Tuesday, Motherwell crushed those budding hopes right into the Fir Park pitch, delivering what many describe as one of the worst displays under Nancy's brief and turbulent leadership. This marked his fifth loss in just seven games, and alarmingly, Celtic still haven't managed a clean sheet – meaning they've conceded goals in every match so far, a basic measure of defensive solidity in football.
After this latest setback, bringing their total defeats in 2025 to 17, the Scottish champions are limping towards Saturday's second league Old Firm derby of the season at Celtic Park. For the uninitiated, the Old Firm refers to the intense rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, Glasgow's two biggest clubs, where matches are more than games – they're cultural clashes that captivate the nation. Despite Rangers' own poor season start, a win for them could equalize the points tally, a scenario that seemed unthinkable just months ago. But in Celtic's dramatic decline, what felt like autumn now seems like a distant memory.
Nancy desperately needs a strong, convincing victory to start the new year positively and silence the growing doubts. And this is the part most people miss – the pressure on a manager in such a high-stakes environment can feel overwhelming, especially with Celtic's storied history.
'C Celtic Aspire to Motherwell's Style'
Although Nancy has only been in charge for a short time, he likely approached the Motherwell match with more optimism than usual as Celtic's boss. Leaving Livingston with a hard-fought three points on Saturday – you can check out the live coverage here (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cqxq7yy447nt) – after beating Aberdeen, it had temporarily calmed the calls for his departure.
Before the game, Nancy talked about 'seeing improvements' consistently, a statement that might have raised some eyebrows at the time. But after Celtic were comprehensively outplayed by a brilliant Motherwell side, expertly coached by Jens Berthel Askou, those same eyebrows were probably furrowed in disbelief.
Pre-match on Sportsound, the Motherwell manager forecasted a 'great game of football, dynamic, intense, and high-tempo at times.' However, only the hosts delivered on that promise, dominating in all areas of the pitch.
Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton remarked on Premier Sports that 'Celtic want to play the way Motherwell did.' He added that Celtic were 'second best, chasing shadows, schooled on the park and off it.' Ex-Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart concurred, noting that 'Progress, there is progress,' but acknowledged the reality: the team couldn't cope with Motherwell's challenge.
In his post-match interview, Nancy reflected: 'Progress, there is progress. But tonight, again, where we are, and the opposition that we faced was difficult. This is the reality. I'm not accepting that, I'm not saying I accept that. I'm saying that this is a fact.'
By his own words, Celtic struggled against Motherwell – a team that had narrowly lost to Rangers just the day before. Football isn't always straightforward, but the broader lesson is clear: Danny Rohl's Motherwell will travel to the east end of Glasgow with confidence. Their strategy at Fir Park was simple yet effective – they pressed Celtic relentlessly, preventing any meaningful attacks until late in the second half, by which time they were already two goals ahead.
As Stewart put it, 'Motherwell know what they're doing, they're comfortable with it. Celtic are a side who are far from comfortable.' To illustrate for beginners, think of it like a dance: Motherwell knew the steps and led the rhythm, while Celtic fumbled, unsure of their footing.
What are the fans saying?
Dave: Nancy has to go before things get irretrievable!
Hugh: What absolute guff is Nancy coming out with after every defeat about performance and positioning and players moving forward. Are the board actually listening to this utter nonsense getting spouted?
Luke: Tonight was really disappointing as someone who wants Nancy to work. I genuinely believe that if he had his players then this would be good, and that the faults the team are making are less to do with a system than they are player quality and coaching. That said, tonight was a chance to show that when things aren't working out he has the flexibility to change, and the intelligence to know what to change. I'd wager on both counts he failed.
Patrick: I'd be surprised if Nancy keeps his job after this and he can take Kasper Schmeichel with him after a terrible season. The board can't let this continue, they mustn't. Messing around like this with an already underperforming squad is not good enough.
Benny: This manager and his playground tactics has to stop now. That was like watching kids in a park all charging forward and leaving the worst player at the back to defend. Nancy is clueless and along with Brendan Rodgers and the board have destroyed this Celtic team and served the league up on a plate to Rangers or Hearts.
Eve: As a Celtic season-ticket holder long ago, is this not just like the John Barnes period? A manager thinks he can get any players to play in any system (wasn't it 4-2-2-2?), and doesn't seem to realise that opposing managers just play through that. Can we have Martin O'Neill back, please?
But here's where it gets controversial – fans like Hugh and Benny are blasting Nancy's tactics as 'playground' nonsense, comparing them to past managerial blunders like John Barnes' ill-fated 4-2-2-2 formation, which prioritized flashy attacking over solid defense. Yet, Luke offers a counterpoint, suggesting the issues might stem from player quality rather than just the system, and questions Nancy's adaptability. Is this a fair critique, or is it too harsh on a manager still finding his feet? And what about Eve's nostalgic plea for legends like Martin O'Neill – does that reflect a deeper frustration with modern football, or just rose-tinted glasses?
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What do you think? Should Wilfried Nancy be given more time to turn things around, or is it time for a change at Celtic to reclaim their dominance? Do you agree with the fans' harsh takes, or see a brighter future ahead? Share your opinions in the comments below – we'd love to hear from both Celtic supporters and skeptics!
