Benjamin Nygren on adapting to Wilfried Nancy’s new style of play at Celtic | OneFootball

Benjamin Nygren has opened up about adapting to Wilfried Nancy’s new style of play at Celtic…

The new Celtic boss has implemented a unique 3-4-2-1 system since joining the Scottish champions from MLS side Columbus Crew at the start of December.

Nancy has overseen five matches, suffering four consecutive defeats before beating Aberdeen last Sunday at Celtic Park 3-1 courtesy of strikes from Nygren, Kieran Tierney and James Forrest.

The Frenchman has had heavy backlash around the system he has played with players featuring out of position with a lot of square pegs in round holes.

Benjamin Nygren . Dundee Utd v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Tannadice, 17 December 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

However, Celtic did look more competent last weekend against the Dons and in order for Nancy to build up a bank of credibility, the team needs to go on a considerable run as they attempt to chase Hearts.

Speaking at his media conference on Nancy’s new way of playing, Nygren said: “Obviously, the start hasn’t been as we wanted the last couple of games, even though I think every performance hasn’t been that bad.”

Celtic v Hearts – Scottish Premiership at Celtic Park on 07 December 2025 Benjamin Nygren and Hearts defender Harry Milne battle in the middle of the park IMAGO Photo James Christie

“I think we’ve created chances in some of the games and could have scored more goals as well, but especially the last game, I think, was very good – it was a very important win.”

“We just had to keep creating the chances to score the goals. That’s football – sometimes the keeper makes a save, and sometimes you miss – but it’s about creating more opportunities. The more you create, the higher the chance of scoring and winning.”

The Swedish internationalist added: “I’ve had a lot of managers who play in different ways, but I think in the end, it’s football. And I think it’s something maybe people around talk about more than I think about it – I don’t think it’s that big of a deal or that complicated.”

“It’s football; you can see it from so many perspectives. For example, the team I played in before, on paper we played 4-3-3, but in the game, you could say that we played a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2 or sometimes even two in the back when we pushed both wingbacks up, for example. So, how it is on the paper and in the actual game, I think, is very different, and you can see it from so many perspectives.”

Benjamin Nygren with the ball during the Premier League match between Hibernian and Celtic at Easter Road on November 30, 2025 (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

“I’ve played in so many systems from when I was young — I think I’ve played all different systems: three-line, four-line, five-line – all of them! I’ve played so many positions, but in the end, it’s football—you move on the pitch, it’s about having chemistry with your teammates, and all of this. So, yeah, it’s not something I think of too much.”

Conor Spence

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