Celtic dismisses manager Wilfried Nancy after 33 days in charge

Wilfried Nancy lasted only 33 days as Celtic’s manager, during which he lost six out of eight matches in a disappointing stint in Glasgow.

Celtic have sacked their manager, Wilfried Nancy, just eight games into his tenure. Nancy, who previously won the MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew, had taken over at Celtic Park on December 3, after Martin O’Neill had managed the Bhoys on an interim basis for eight games following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation.

A club statement said: “Celtic Football Club today announces that it has decided to terminate the contract of manager Wilfried Nancy, with immediate effect. 

While O’Neill secured victories in seven of his eight matches upon returning to the club where he had previously won three Scottish Premiership titles in the 2000-01, 2001-02, and 2003-04 seasons.

Nancy encountered a starkly contrasting outcome. He experienced six defeats in eight games, which included 3-1 losses to St. Mirren in the League Cup final and to their Old Firm rivals Rangers on Saturday.

Nancy also drew attention shortly after assuming the role by oddly asserting that he understood Scottish football because he had nearly joined the English side Carlisle United as a player, and he then made an earnest appeal for patience before the Saturday clash with Rangers.

However, the club, which has won the Scottish championship 55 times, announced on Monday that they had separated from the 48-year-old, with head of football operations Paul Tisdale also leaving.

The club expressed thanks to Wilfried for his efforts and wished him and his family well for the future. 

They added that Wilfried’s assistants, Kwame Ampadu, Jules Gueguen, and Maxime Chalier, would also be departing the club, taking with them the club’s good wishes. 

The club further confirmed that Paul Tisdale had left his position as head of football operations and thanked him for the contribution he had made in that role. They noted that a further update would be provided to supporters as soon as practical.

Celtic have already endured six Premiership defeats this season, marking their highest number in a single campaign since 2012-13 when they suffered seven. 

They trail Hearts by six points at the top of the table and are only ahead of third-placed Rangers on goal difference, as they prepare for a home match against Dundee United on Saturday.