Joe Hart's observation — that Wilfried Nancy might not fully appreciate what he's walked into — captured a widespread unease after the new Celtic manager's first week in charge. Nancy, appointed from MLS side Columbus Crew and with no prior European managerial experience, lasted just eight days before presiding over a second successive defeat: a 3-0 Europa League loss to Roma following a home defeat to league leaders Hearts. No Celtic boss had ever lost their first two matches — until now.
Nancy kept his composure after the Roma game, highlighting encouraging signs in a stronger second-half display against opponents who did not have to be at their best. That measured response, however, did little to soothe supporters or some former players. Hart, who left Celtic in the summer of 2024 after three seasons, urged those who appointed Nancy to give him more than tactical briefings — to explain the club's expectations and the unique pressure of managing at Celtic Park, especially with a League Cup final against St Mirren looming days away.
The context matters. Celtic arrived at the Roma fixture amid a season already fractured by recruitment problems, a failed Champions League campaign
