Celtic Parts Ways with Manager Wilfried Nancy Following Poor Run of Form
Celtic Football Club has announced the departure of manager Wilfried Nancy following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Rangers, marking his sixth loss in just eight matches.
The 48-year-old coach signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Scottish champions after concluding his tenure with Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer. He officially took charge on December 4.
Under Nancy, the team's performance sharply declined after an impressive start under interim manager Martin O'Neill, who led Celtic to seven victories in eight games.
Nancy became the first Celtic manager in history to lose his first two matches. His record includes a 3-1 defeat in the Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren and a 2-1 loss to Dundee United.
This marked the first time since 1978, under the legendary Jock Stein, that Celtic had lost four consecutive matches. Although they managed to secure back-to-back league victories against Aberdeen and Livingston, the team suffered a 2-0 defeat at Motherwell and collapsed in the second half during the match against Rangers.
Additionally, Celtic has relieved Paul Tisdale from his position as head of football operations. Tisdale, who previously managed Exeter City and Stevenage, had been in the role since October 2024.
A brief statement from the club confirmed the departures, including Nancy’s coaching staff members Kwame Ampadu, Jules Gueguen, and Maxime Chalier, and indicated that a "further update will be provided to supporters as soon as is practical."
O'Neill stepped in as interim manager after Brendan Rodgers resigned in October to take up a managerial position with Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah.
Nancy, who previously led MLS rivals Montreal and guided Columbus to the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup, was named MLS Manager of the Year for 2024. However, his tenure saw a decline, with his team finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference and 12th overall last year.
As he departs from Celtic, Nancy leaves with only five wins in his last 20 games as a head coach.
More updates will follow.