Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy has hailed the club as one of the world’s biggest and expressed his excitement to get started in his new role, SportPremi reports.
The Scottish side ended their search for a new manager when Nancy, 48, joined the club on a two and a half year contract on Wednesday.
It marks his first managerial role in Europe, as he had only previously managed clubs in the United States’ Major League Soccer.
The Frenchman began his coaching career at CF Montreal in 2021, before moving to the Columbus Crew in 2022 where he gained prominence.
The 48-year-old led the crew to the MLS Cup in 2024 and was awarded the coach of the year award following a remarkable campaign.
Nancy takes over from interim manager Martin O’Neill, who had been at the club since the resignation of Brendan Rodgers in October.
He is now charged with transforming the team into a competitive force in Europe and restoring them to the top of the Scottish league following a shaky start to the season.
Everything Nancy said on his Celtic appointment
Wilfried Nancy was very excited upon taking up his first managerial position in European football after impressive stints in America
The Frenchman has pledged to deliver exciting, attacking football at the club and will be tasked delivering silverware at the club.
“I can’t wait to get going and become part of such a brilliant institution.
“Celtic is one of the world’s proper football clubs, real atmosphere and heart and soul, real high standards and real demands, which I am ready for. I know the history, I know the values of Celtic and I know what is expected of me on this journey”, the Frenchman stated.
“I know what Celtic means to so many people and my No. 1 aim will be simple – to give our fans a strong, exciting, attacking, winning football team they can be so proud of.”
Nancy also expressed gratitude to interim manager Martin O’Neill, who won every of his domestic game in his short time at the club.
“I want to thank the great Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney for all they have done in recent weeks with the team,” Nancy added.
“These guys have given so much to the club across so many years and I know our fans, like me, all recognise the brilliant job they have done.
“They have my total respect and my total gratitude. I hope to meet them both very soon and thank them personally.”
What next for Celtic?
Wilfried Nancy’s first game in charge of the Hoops will come in a top of the table clash against Hearts on Sunday, before facing AS Roma in the Europa League on Thursday.
Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho will be eager to impress the new manager as he hopes to be fit and ready for Sunday’s crucial clash.
