Celtic's new manager, Wilfried Nancy, has pointed to a concerning lack of mental strength within his squad as he grapples with a defensive crisis from set-pieces that has marred his disastrous opening weeks in charge.
A Ruinous Start Under Nancy
The French coach, who took over from interim boss Martin O'Neill just over a fortnight ago, has endured a nightmare beginning to his Celtic tenure. His side has suffered four consecutive defeats against Hearts, Roma, St Mirren, and Dundee United. The most alarming statistic from this run is that five of the ten goals conceded have originated from corner kicks.
This vulnerability was brutally exposed once again on Wednesday night at Tannadice. Leading 1-0 against Dundee United, Celtic capitulated, conceding two goals from corners in a devastating three-minute spell to lose 2-1. The result has intensified the pressure on Nancy, with some supporters already calling for his dismissal.
"This is Mental," Says Frustrated Boss
Nancy did not hold back in his assessment, framing the issue as a psychological one rather than a tactical or technical failing. "This is one of the most difficult things as a manager," said the 48-year-old. "Because set pieces, this is not about technique or tactics, this is mental. This is 10 seconds (of play) and we have conceded a lot with that."
He detailed the specific failures, noting that while they improved on the first contact against Dundee United, they were found wanting on subsequent actions. "The reality is for the moment we conceded many goals that way," he admitted. "That's why this is tough because, if we concede (from open play) during the game, I don't talk the same way."
Despite the bleak results, Nancy insisted he would shoulder the blame publicly while demanding more from his players. "I told the players, I'm going to take the flak. I'm going to take it because this is my job. But we also have to be better," he stated.
Crucial Fixture Looms as Pressure Mounts
The situation is now critical for Celtic. They remain six points behind leaders Hearts, albeit with a game in hand, and are just three points ahead of rivals Rangers. The spectre of history looms large: defeat at home to Aberdeen on Sunday would mean five consecutive losses for the first time since the 1947-48 season, when the club narrowly avoided relegation.
Nancy defended his much-criticised adherence to a 3-4-3 formation, arguing he makes constant in-game adjustments. "If you watch all the games that we play, all the time I adjusted something," he claimed. He remains committed to his philosophy but acknowledges the urgent need for results. "Every game is important. So, obviously, with the context, this is more difficult," he conceded.
With the Celtic Park faithful growing restless, Sunday's match against Aberdeen has become a pivotal moment for Wilfried Nancy's embryonic and deeply troubled reign. The solution, he believes, must come from the minds of his players as much as from the training ground.
