Wilfried Nancy – “It’d be tough if he left,” Columbus Crew star Max Arfsten | OneFootball

Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten has admitted that it would be hard to take seeing his manager Wilfried Nancy leave the club to take the Celtic job that was vacated by Brendan Rodgers a few weeks back after his offer to resign was accepted by the Celtic Board…

Max Arfsten of United States celebrates after defeating Costa Rica in the Gold Cup 2025 Quarterfinals at U.S. Bank Stadium on June 29, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

However Arfsten, who is currently with the USA National team at their training base alongside Celtic’s Auston Trusty, also admitted that he would be happy for Nancy if he is given the chance to manage a massive club like Celtic. And the player, who had played all three years of his time as a pro-under Nancy’s guidance, credits the Frenchman for helping him develop his game to enable him to earn international recognition with the United States.

Wilfried Nancy of the Columbus Crew holds the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the 2023 MLS Cup against the Los Angeles FC at Lower.com Field on December 09, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

One bookmaker yesterday stopped taking bets on the Celtic manager’s job after significant bets were placed on the 48 year-old Frenchman being appointed as the next Celtic manager.

Alistair Johnston. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

After seeing through the sale of Alistair Johnston to Celtic in the January 2022 transfer window, Wilfried Nancy himself left Montreal to take over at Columbus and that’s where he’s been ever since, achieving significant success at his current club. The Frenchman has won MLS Cup, Leagues Cup and has been named MLS Coach of the Year, while taking the Crew to the Concacaf Champions Cup final in 2024.

Max Arfsten of United States runs up the field in the first half of the Gold Cup 2025 Quarterfinals match against Costa Rica at U.S. Bank Stadium on June 29, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Arfsten had this to say about just how important Wilfried Nancy has been to his progress in the game, with the report coming from USA outlet Prosoccerwire.

Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy celebrates with his team following an MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on July 12, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

“He’s meant a massive amount in my career,” the 24-year-old told the media on a call from USMNT camp. “I feel like he’s developed me as a player a lot in Columbus, tactically, technically, just understanding the game.

“So I’m always super thankful and appreciative of him. And one thing about him I love is he’s always challenging me no matter where I’m at in my career. He always has something to tell me to help me grow as a player. I can’t say enough good things about him and I’m thankful to have him as my club coach.”

Man of the Match Max Arfsten of the Columbus Crew poses for a photo after the 2025 MLS Cup Playoff match against FC Cincinnati at Lower.com Field on November 02, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Crew won 4-0. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

“Obviously it’d be tough if he left just because he’s a good coach, but he has to do what he wants for his career,” Arfsten said.

“If he wants to go to Europe and test himself out there, I feel like you’ve got to respect that. It would definitely be tough for us in Columbus, for sure. But it’s one of those things where at the same time, if he decides to go, then you’ve got to be happy for him, because that’s what he wants to do next.”

Celtic legend Danny McGrain is seen during the League Cup Final between Aberdeen and Celtic at Hampden Park on November 27, 2016. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

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