Nancy challenges Celtic to toughen up after Roma setback

Wilfried Nancy did not sugarcoat Celtic’s latest European setback, admitting his side were “too soft” in a bruising 3-0 defeat to Roma at Parkhead that leaves him winless after two games in charge. The Frenchman insisted the problem is fixable, but warned his players must adapt to his demands quickly with a cup final looming.

Celtic conceded three times inside a punishing first half, undone by a Liam Scales own goal and an Evan Ferguson brace, before Arne Engels’ late penalty miss spared them further embarrassment. Roma were comfortable long before the interval, leaving home fans stunned at how easily the visitors imposed themselves.

Nancy arrived in Glasgow barely a week ago, inheriting a squad he suggested had been stretched thin after consecutive matches under previous coaches Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney. Despite that warning, he stuck with the same starting XI that fell to Hearts in his debut match, a decision that again exposed fatigue in key areas.

Asked whether he expected such a difficult start to life at Celtic, Nancy’s response carried a hint of irritation and realism. “I expected it. Come on guys, I just came one week ago,” he said, pointing to a squad dealing with injuries, heavy workloads and a demanding schedule. “A few players played six games in a row. We have injured players. We have big games coming. So I expected that.”

The manager’s harshest assessment was reserved for the opening 45 minutes, a spell he felt summed up Celtic’s current shortcomings. “In the first half we were too soft in certain moments. We have to be stronger. We have to use our body. We could be better individually to accept the pressure and keep the ball.” Roma’s intensity, he admitted, simply overwhelmed his players.

Only after halftime did Celtic show glimpses of what Nancy wants to build. Their pressing was sharper, their combinations tighter, and although two goals were ruled out for marginal offsides, there was at least an identity forming. “When we raised the pressure we were able to connect better,” he said. “We need to be closer to be able to connect and get forward quicker.”

Nancy has not eased into his new job. He has already redesigned the team’s structure, shifting to a back three, pushing wide players into wing-back roles and replacing a traditional midfield trio with a diamond-like square. It is a significant tactical overhaul, and he made clear he will not abandon it because of early turbulence. Any changes for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden will likely be personnel, not philosophy.

“I think they did well,” he said when pressed about the system. “We had a bit of difficulty with the intensity but the second half I saw good stuff. I think they are on board with that. The connection I have with them is there. I am confident in my players.” But he reminded reporters that the team has had just four training days with him. “It’s not an excuse but it’s a fact.”

From a performance standpoint, Celtic’s challenge is now twofold. Can fatigued players acclimate to a new system fast enough to compete on multiple fronts? And will injuries and exhaustion force Nancy to compromise on his tactical ideals before they take root? Supporters will look to Sunday’s cup final for answers, but the manager’s comments suggest patience will be just as important as urgency.

Nancy’s closing message carried both caution and conviction. “I accept the challenge. I knew that before. I could have said I would come later,” he said, nodding toward the demanding fixture list, the absence of key players and the lack of preparation time. “But I have belief in my players. I am really confident because they are engaged. I feel and I see good things.”

Celtic will need those “good things” to materialize quickly. A cup final offers opportunity as much as risk, and Nancy knows early momentum can shape an entire tenure. The question now is whether this squad, bruised but not broken, can harden fast enough to meet the moment.