Celtic sack Wilfried Nancy after record-breaking month of misery | OneFootball

Celtic have dismissed Wilfried Nancy after just 33 days in charge, bringing an abrupt end to the shortest permanent managerial reign in the club’s history.

The 48-year-old was removed from his position following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which was his sixth loss in eight matches.

Nancy was appointed on a two-and-a-half-year contract on December 3 after leaving Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew.

However, results deteriorated rapidly under the Frenchman, undoing the momentum Celtic had built during Martin O’Neill’s interim spell.

O’Neill had overseen seven wins from eight matches after replacing Brendan Rodgers, who resigned in October to take up a role in the Saudi Pro League.

Celtic’s form collapsed soon after Nancy’s arrival, beginning with league defeats at home to Hearts and away to Dundee United.

Those results were either side of a heavy three-goal home loss to Roma in the Europa League and a 3-1 defeat to St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup final.

The latter marked Celtic’s first domestic final defeat since 2020 and intensified pressure on Nancy.

Back-to-back league wins against Aberdeen and Livingston briefly eased concerns, but the respite proved short-lived.

A 2-0 defeat at Motherwell on Tuesday reignited criticism before the home defeat to Rangers sealed Nancy’s fate.

It was the first time Celtic had lost four consecutive matches since 1978, under Jock Stein.

The club confirmed Nancy’s dismissal in a brief statement, thanking him for his efforts and wishing him well for the future.

Celtic also announced the departure of Paul Tisdale, who had been serving as head of football operations since October.

Nancy’s coaching staff, Kwame Ampadu, Jules Gueguen and Maxime Chalier, have also left the club.

The upheaval caps a turbulent campaign for Celtic, who remain locked in a tight title race despite their instability.

Hearts are currently six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with Celtic and Rangers level on points and goal difference behind them.

Nancy arrived in Glasgow with a strong reputation after guiding Columbus to the 2023 MLS Cup and the 2024 Leagues Cup.

He also led the American side to the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup final and was named MLS Coach of the Year.

That success failed to translate in Scotland, where his reign produced just two wins and raised questions about timing and fit.

Celtic are expected to move quickly to appoint a replacement as they attempt to stabilise their season.

The club stated that a further update would be provided to supporters in due course.