Wilfried Nancy has attributes required to succeed in Celtic hot seat | OneFootball

Major League Soccer pundit Tony Meola believes Wilfried Nancy has all the attributes required to succeed in the Celtic hot seat despite a difficult start…

Celtic Manager Wilfried Nancy arriving at the ground ahead of the Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic at Set Fare Arena on December 27, 2025. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

The Celtic boss has begun to steady the ship after halting a run of four straight defeats with back-to-back victories against Aberdeen then Livingston at the weekend, though scepticism remains among sections of the support.

Questions have been raised over his tactical decisions – particularly his immediate commitment to a 3-4-2-1 system – with critics suggesting the squad may not be naturally suited to that setup.

Others have also debated whether the Frenchman possesses the temperament to cope with the relentless scrutiny that comes with the role.

However, former US international and MLS analyst Tony Meola has dismissed those concerns, speaking positively about Nancy after interviewing him and observing his work at close quarters over in the States.

Benjamin Nygren and Kieran Tierney of Celtic celebrate third goal of the game during the William Hill Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic at Set Fare Arena on December 27, 2025. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Meola also pointed to Nancy’s experience managing massive fixtures in MLS, including the fiercely contested ‘Hell is Real’ derby between Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati, as evidence he would not be fazed by the intensity of facing theRangers next Saturday in his first taste of the Glasgow Derby.

Speaking via Daily Record, Meola said: “Character? Not a problem at all. You guys will see it in press conference number one. As much freedom as he gives, it’s going to be Wilfried’s way or no way. The intensity won’t be a problem. He’ll relish it. The Old Firm (sic) derbies, the lot.”

Celtic celebrate fourth goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic at Set Fare Arena on December 27, 2025. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

“He’s had the Hell is Real derby here. You’ve got to go watch those games. They’re as intense as they get. Some recognise it as the best derby in the league. There are some other really good ones, but that’s massive.

“The intensity is incredible. It’s fiery, it gets pretty feisty on the pitch. Obviously, it doesn’t have the history of other derbies round the world. Our league is just not that old compared to leagues in Europe.

Celtic Manager Wilfried Nancy arriving at the ground ahead of the Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic at Set Fare Arena on December 27, 2025. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

“But I’ve had European friends that have come over and tasted it. They feel like they’re in Europe at a major derby. It’s great. It never fails. If you came to see it you wouldn’t feel like it’s too far out of place, you would feel right at home.”

Meola continued: “The Hell Is Real thing started with a sign that was halfway between those two cities. Okay they’re not sharing a city and there might be about 140 kilometres between them. But when they collide on either side of the divide then it’s massive.

Benjamin Nygren and Kieran Tierney of Celtic celebrate third goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic at Set Fare Arena on December 27, 2025.. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

“Wilfried is made for this challenge at Celtic. You talk about 24-7 over there. Well it’s 24-7 here as well. I don’t know that we scrutinise the managers the way that maybe they are there. I get that part. Maybe we do it in a different way.

“But you’re going to see Wilfried Nancy is 24-7. His brain, his soccer brain doesn’t turn off at all. Listen, I played with Mo Johnston who has a different history with Celtic than maybe some other people might have, right?

Callum McGregor of Celtic leading applause for travelling support during the Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic on December 27, 2025. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

“So I have a real grasp for what he’s getting into. Wilfried will thrive there. More importantly, the players will thrive there. I’m excited for him. He’s going to get a lot of follows from the US because I’m sure everybody is interested in what Wilfried does now with a big club like Celtic.”

Conor Spence

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