Wilfried Nancy's tenure as Celtic manager has begun with a 2-1 defeat to Hearts at Parkhead, allowing the Edinburgh side to establish a three-point lead at the top of Scotland's Premiership. The loss marked a difficult debut for the French manager, who deployed a new tactical system in his first home match.
Hearts secured victory through goals from Claudio Braga and Oisin McEntee, with Kieran Tierney scoring a stoppage-time consolation for Celtic. The result means Celtic now trail their rivals by three points, though they retain a game in hand.
Nancy's tactical gamble
The new manager introduced a 3-4-3 formation featuring Tierney in a back three alongside Auston Trusty and Liam Scales. Yang Hyun-jun and Sebastian Tounekti were deployed as wing-backs with increased defensive duties, while a four-man box midfield aimed to control the center of the pitch.
Despite dominating first-half possession, Celtic created only two clear chances. Daizen Maeda missed both opportunities, with Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow saving his efforts. Braga stunned Celtic Park with the opener in the 43rd minute after Arne Engels played him onside. McEntee headed home from a corner by Harry Milne after 64 minutes to extend Hearts' lead.
Boyd's sideline criticism
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd mocked Nancy on Sky Sports for using a tactics board on the touchline during the match. Nancy and assistant Kwame Ampadu were spotted huddled over the board while attempting to devise a comeback strategy.
Boyd said on Sky Sports: «It's a big week for him now (Wilfred Nancy). You look at your first home game that you had to win, Roma on Thursday and then a cup final. It's not been the best of starts for him.» He added: «He's going to have to get results, rather than playing connect four on the side of the pitch.»
The pundit praised Hearts' performance, particularly midfielder Cammy Devlin. He told Sky Sports: «They controlled it and that man Cammy Devlin was unbelievable, if there is a more improved player in Scotland I am yet to see him.»
Nancy's philosophy remains unchanged
Despite the defeat, Nancy defended his approach in his post-match interviews. He told Sky Sports: «I'm not about losing or winning, I'm about having a good performance.» The manager emphasized improvement over immediate results.
Nancy said to Sky Sports: «We all want to win. But for me, we will look at what we can do better. The most important thing for me is what can we do better when we attack or when we defend and in terms of mindset.» He added: «For me, if we are better with that, we will see the results.»
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland after the game, he acknowledged the challenge of breaking down Hearts' defensive block. Nancy said: «It's not easy coming from behind against a low block. The spirit was spot on and there are many good things I can show them.»
He stressed the importance of personality over rigid systems. Nancy told BBC Radio Scotland: «It's not about the system. For me, it's to play with personality. The players want to do well and that's the most important thing.»
Pressure mounts ahead of crucial week
The defeat comes at a challenging time for Celtic, with approximately 2,000 fans staging a protest march from St Mary's church to the stadium before kickoff. Supporters directed fury toward the directors' box, with banners displayed by the Green Brigade and other sections.
Nancy faces an immediate test with a Europa League home match against Roma on Thursday, followed by the Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren next Sunday. The former Columbus Crew manager refused to hit the panic button despite the setback.
He said after the loss: «Listen, the season is long. There are many games coming. Okay, they have three points ahead. But for me, let's control what we can control.» Nancy maintained his focus remains solely on on-pitch performance and team development.
Reo Hatate struck the crossbar with three minutes remaining, prompting a mass exodus of Celtic fans who missed Tierney's late goal. Hearts' victory represents their second win over Celtic this season, having previously beaten them 3-1 in October.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
