San Jose Earthquakes boss – Wilfried Nancy would be perfect for Celtic

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The Celtic Star

·13 November 2025

San Jose Earthquakes boss – Wilfried Nancy would be perfect for Celtic

San Jose Earthquakes boss Bruce Arena believes Wilfried Nancy would be a perfect choice to take charge of Celtic…

Head coach Wilfried Nancy of Columbus Crew reacts during the first half of the MLS match against the New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy has emerged as a leading candidate for the job, joining Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen on the shortlist, with Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen also reportedly under consideration.

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Head coach Kjetil Knutsen of Bodo Glimt looks on prior to the UEFA Europa Conference League Play-Off second leg match between Crvena Zvezda and Bodo Glimt at stadium Rajko Mitic on August 28, 2024 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

Bookmakers have suspended betting on the next Celtic manager following a surge of bets on Nancy that caused his odds to shorten dramatically. The 48-year-old has earned widespread praise for his achievements in MLS, both with his current side and during his previous spell in charge of CF Montreal.

Now, former United States head coach and current San Jose Earthquakes manager Bruce Arena has spoken highly of Nancy and believes he’d be a shrewd choice for Celtic.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 8: Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy celebrates the Jacen Russell-Rowe #19 of Columbus Crew goal against FC Cincinnati during the MLS Playoff match at TQL Stadium on November 8, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Chris Carter/Getty Images)

Speaking via the Scottish Sun, Arena said: “He’s a very organised and disciplined coach. His team is very possession oriented, attacks with numbers, very disciplined.

“I think he’d be a very good fit for Celtic in the Scottish league. He’s regarded as a top-tier coach here. He’s done a very good job for Columbus and is well respected. I think he can make the adjustment and be a very good fit in the Premiership.”

Arena added: “I believe it would be fantastic for the reputation of MLS coaches. Many years ago, coaches in MLS were not respected, especially American and Canadian coaches. Now they get interest from clubs all around the world. Wilfried Nancy being appointed by Celtic would be great.”

CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 8: Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy celebrates the Jacen Russell-Rowe #19 of Columbus Crew goal against FC Cincinnati during the MLS Playoff match at TQL Stadium on November 8, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Chris Carter/Getty Images)

During his time at CF Montreal, Nancy led his side to victory in the Canadian Cup before guiding Columbus Crew to the MLS Cup in 2023.

The following season, he was recognised as MLS Coach of the Year after his team set club records with 66 points and 72 goals, and he also took Columbus to the Leagues Cup final in August.

Conor Spence

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