Wilfried Nancy weighing up potential job opportunities | OneFootball

Wilfried Nancy is already weighing up potential opportunities as he plots a swift return to management following his brief and disastrous 33-day spell at Celtic…

Celtic Manager Wilfried Nancy Celtic Team Training and press conference, Lennoxtown Training Ground, 2 January 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

The French coach was dismissed earlier this month after a dismal run of results, bringing an abrupt end to a tenure that lasted eight games. Appointed in early December as Michael Nicholson first choice candidate (or only one), Nancy struggled to make an impact in Glasgow, overseeing just two victories from eight matches.

His departure was confirmed after a damaging 3-1 loss to the latest Ibrox club, a result that intensified pressure on the board and effectively sealed his fate. The short-lived appointment has been widely viewed as the worst managerial spells in the club’s unbroken history.

Wilfried Nancy, Manager of Celtic, looks on during a Celtic FC Training Session at Lennoxtown Training Centre on December 10, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Despite that setback, the 48-year-old is keen to rebuild his standing, having previously earned praise for his work in Major League Soccer with CF Montréal and the Columbus Crew.

According to French outlets Actu and Envertetcontretous, Nancy has been suggested as a potential candidate for a role at Saint-Étienne, even though the Ligue 2 side currently have a head coach in charge.

Erik Horneland’s position has come under growing scrutiny after a narrow 1–0 defeat to Reims left the club sitting fifth in the table and under pressure to push for promotion.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor with Celtic Manager Wilfried Nancy Celtic Team Training and press conference, Lennoxtown Training Ground, 2 January 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Meanwhile, Celtic captain Callum McGregor has also reflected publicly on the factors that contributed to the team’s struggles during Nancy’s short reign in the dugout.

Speaking via Sky Sports last week, McGregor said: “I think too much, too soon, in terms of change. You go from a team that’s super aggressive and on the front foot for 10-plus years, the whole time I’ve been here pretty much.”

“Playing a certain way and being asked to do things in a certain way, defending a certain way, and then you bring in the nuance of knowing the league, playing in Scotland.”

Celtic captain Callum McGregor with Celtic Manager Wilfried Nancy Celtic Team Training and press conference, Lennoxtown Training Ground, 2 January 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

“My belief is you get as much pressure on the ball and press as high as you can, and that eliminates a lot of the defending that you have to do in terms of box defending. For me, it was just a little bit too much, too soon, in terms of that change. It was quite a big change from where the team had been. Not to say that it can’t work, but I think everyone is well aware of the timing, no pre-season and so many games.”

“It was really a tough situation coming in and having a game every three days. You’re almost learning in the game. We all know it’s probably the harshest environment you can have to learn in.”

“And like anything as human beings, when you take away that confidence then players and everybody starts to struggle with that. You need to have belief in yourself. Ultimately, when you’re losing games that does waver. We’re human beings, it does affect you.”

Wilfried Nancy speaks to Callum McGregor, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Tannadice, 17 December 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“It’s really unfortunate that it didn’t work out but I think we need to draw a line under it now. There’s been so many negative stories going about this season but there is so much positive to look forward and play for. The players have drawn a line under it.”

Conor Spence

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