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<p>Expert Analysis</p>
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<img alt="Celtic set to appoint Wilfried Nancy from Columbus Crew" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/wilfried-nancy-1763144509-182884.jpg" title="Celtic set to appoint Wilfried Nancy from Columbus Crew" />
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<p><span>©IMAGO</span></p>
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<p>Wilfried Nancy is reportedly in advanced discussions to become the next head coach of Celtic FC. Transfermarkt has confirmed a report from the Daily Record stating that negotiations between the French-Canadian manager, currently with Columbus Crew, and Celtic are progressing well, with a potential deal on the horizon.</p>
<p>During a recent end-of-season media session with the Crew, the 48-year-old refrained from commenting on the speculation regarding the Celtic position. "I'm not here to talk about myself. My focus is on the team first," Nancy stated, adding that he had no comments regarding any rumors. Nevertheless, behind the scenes, conversations have been active between Celtic and the former Canadian international.</p>
<p>Celtic chairman Dermot Desmond has been particularly eager to secure Nancy from his current role in Major League Soccer.</p>
<p>Nancy is expected to succeed Brendan Rodgers, who departed the club in late October following a defeat to league leaders Hearts. Under interim manager Martin O’Neill, Celtic has achieved victories in both the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup, although they were defeated by Danish side Midtjylland (3-1) in the Europa League. Notably, Celtic remains seven points behind first-placed Hearts, with one game in hand.</p>
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<img alt="Wilfried Nancy to Celtic?" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/wilfried-nancy-to-celtic-1763144906-182887.png?lm=1763144915" title="Wilfried Nancy to Celtic?" width="503" />
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<h2>Meet Wilfried Nancy – “The Most Talented MLS Coach in a Generation”</h2>
<p>What can Celtic fans anticipate from Nancy? We consulted Manuel Veth, our Area Manager in North America, for insight. “Wilfried Nancy is arguably the most talented MLS coach of his generation,” he remarked. “Having started as an average player, Nancy moved to Canada 20 years ago to engage in university soccer in Quebec. He climbed the ranks, joining the Montréal academy in 2011 and becoming head coach in 2021 after Thierry Henry's departure. During his tenure, Nancy led Montréal to the Canadian Championship and secured a second-place finish in the Eastern Conference in 2022.”</p>
<p>While his results were commendable, it was his style of play that distinguished Nancy in the MLS. “He implemented the progressive, aggressive, and tactically astute football that was characteristic of Henry's philosophy," noted Veth. "Players greatly respected him during his time in Montréal. He was the last coach to effectively understand that club's ethos. After the 2022 season, he left due to a perceived lack of support from the influential Saputo family, who own both Montréal and Serie A club Bologna.”</p>
<p>After his departure from Montréal, Nancy took the helm at Columbus Crew. There, he achieved remarkable success, winning the MLS Cup in 2023, the Leagues Cup in 2024, and reaching the final of the Concacaf Champions Cup also in 2024. His teams have averaged an impressive 1.8 points per game across 136 matches in all competitions. “At first glance, this average may not seem impressive, but in a salary cap league teeming with parity, it's actually exceptional,” Veth explained. “Nancy typically utilizes a 3-4-2-1 formation, and his teams are a joy to watch. He not only champions attractive football but also ensures his players buy into the system, enhancing their overall performance. His roots in university soccer manifest in his teaching style; he effectively communicates his vision, helping players improve every day.”</p>
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