Hacks will remember Wilfried Nancy’s lighthearted ‘bit of bags’ remarks | OneFootball

Wilfried Nancy has shared a light-hearted insight into a recent exchange with his mother as he adjusts to the early demands of his new role at Celtic…

Wilfried Nancy, Head Coach of Celtic FC speaks to the media during a Celtic FC Press Conference at Celtic Park on December 10, 2025 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The 48-year-old officially took over as new Hoops boss last week following Brendan Rodgers’ departure five weeks ago and the Frenchman was swiftly thrown into the dugout for his debut against Hearts three days into his new job. Although that encounter ended in a 2-1 defeat against the Jambos, the former Columbus Crew coach remains upbeat.

Nancy revealed his family’s views on his Celtic arrival

Speaking ahead of Celtic’s Europa League encounter with Roma at Celtic Park, Nancy revealed his family’s reaction to his move to Glasgow.

Wilfried Nancy, Head Coach of Celtic FC speaks to the media during a Celtic FC Press Conference at Celtic Park on December 10, 2025 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“My mum told me that I had a bit of bags (under my eyes)!” he said via Celtic’s official YouTube channel. “I said, ‘Yeah, Mummy, I have just come in!’ I was jetlagged and tried to anticipate everything. Again, this is part of our job, and I am really excited about that.”

‘I try to open my eyes to understand the culture’

“I try to stay at peace with myself and at peace with the person that I am. I try to open my eyes to understand the culture, and try to open my eyes to also understand what the context is.”

“After that, I’m going to do what I used to do in terms of the way I want to play because this is a lifestyle, this is not something that I try to cope with, this is something that I feel. After that, we will see.”

Wilfried Nancy’s European debut

The visit of Roma will represent Nancy’s first taste of management of European football.

It was only two weeks ago, interim Celtic manager Martin O’Neill oversaw a memorable 3-1 win away win to Feyenoord, with Yang Hyun-jun, Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren all finding the net in Rotterdam.

A similar outcome would almost certainly guarantee a top 24 place for Celtic and a two-legged knockout match in February. Similarly, a victory for tonight’s visitors would put the Italians in a comfortable place to finish in the competition’s top eight.

Both sides you would expect might be happy to avoid defeat.

Conor Spence

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