Celtic Prepares for Clash Against Hearts Under New Manager Wilfried Nancy

Match Details:

Venue: Celtic Park, Glasgow Date: Sunday, 7 December Time: 15:00 GMT

Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland & Sounds, live text commentary available on the BBC Sport website & app, with highlights on BBC Scotland and iPlayer from 19:15.

Wilfried Nancy is set to make his debut as Celtic's manager, taking charge of the reigning Scottish Premiership champions in their upcoming match against league leaders Hearts on Sunday.

The 48-year-old Frenchman succeeds interim manager Martin O'Neill, who led the team through the final game of his eight-match tenure on Wednesday, following the resignation of former permanent manager Brendan Rodgers in October.

A victory on Sunday would elevate Celtic three points ahead of Hearts, while also providing a crucial game in hand ahead of their Europa League encounter with Roma the following Thursday.

"I want my players to be confident but also humble," Nancy stated. "My job is to challenge them for the benefit of the team. This is a quality team with talented players, but they need to believe a bit more in themselves. Tactical flexibility is key; we have players capable of performing in multiple positions, which I find essential."

Nancy emphasized the importance of adapting to different styles of play, noting that Celtic would face distinct challenges against teams like Roma compared to Hearts. "We are aware of what lies ahead and what we aim to accomplish," he added.

The new manager's busy schedule continues with the Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren next Sunday, followed by a highly anticipated match against city rivals Rangers on January 3, after four additional league fixtures.

When asked about the upcoming January transfer window, Nancy hinted at the need for specific player profiles. "Every organization seeks improvement," he remarked. "I need to evaluate the team further. I've observed them as a unit, but now I must understand them as individuals. After that, we will determine the best course of action for the team. I prefer to take my time, though I recognize the urgency of the situation."

Nancy concluded by outlining his vision for the team's playing style: "I want to adopt a proactive approach, putting pressure on the opposition and aiming to regain possession quickly. Additionally, we must become difficult to play against defensively, as there will be moments when we need to endure challenges."

Celtic Prepares for Clash Against Hearts Under New Manager Wilfried Nancy

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