Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy said he understood why fans booed after a 3-0 home defeat to Roma but insisted he was not worried about the heavy loss that leaves their Europa League hopes in jeopardy.
Nancy became the first Celtic manager to lose his opening two games. The Scottish champions were in disarray in the first half, trailing by three at the break after an early own goal by Liam Scales was followed by a brace from Evan Ferguson. Supporters made their feelings clear at both half-time and full-time, having also seen Celtic lose to Premiership leaders Hearts at the weekend.
“I respect the fans – they are really important for us,” Nancy told TNT Sports. “They are key, they know that. We play for them, this is clear. They were not happy with the situation so they show it. I know where we are going. For the moment, in terms of results, this is not what we want.”
Despite the scoreline and Celtic sitting low in the Europa League standings, Nancy said he saw enough in the second-half display to be encouraged. “The reality is we are not able to cope with the intensity,” he added. “I really liked the second half, good reaction. We played with a little bit more proximity between players to escape the pressure… The second half was better but it was not enough. I cannot tell you that they didn’t try. They tried. I’m not concerned because I really like the reaction.”
Nancy blamed the early goal as unhelpful but praised the attitude and said the team deserved at least a goal to possibly change the dynamic. With the Scottish League Cup final against St Mirren at Hampden Park on Sunday, Nancy said the plan was to rest and prepare for the final. “The belief of my players is really strong and this is the most important for me,” he said.
Former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart was far less optimistic, telling TNT Sports: “It breaks my heart because I know how special these nights can be… The atmosphere isn’t there, the players don’t feel like they’re playing on the edge of their abilities. This place brings magic and energy to you, but it’s not there at the moment.”
Hart urged the club’s leadership to act, saying Celtic must unite fans, players and management and not rest on past success. “This is such a special football club when it’s united. At the moment, they’re drifting further and further apart… It comes right from the top. You can’t rest on your previous success – football keeps moving.”
Sky Sports News reporter Adam Binnie added in analysis from Celtic Park: “Two defeats in four days as Wilfried Nancy’s tough start to life as Celtic manager continues. His side were completely outclassed this evening. Far from ideal preparation ahead of Sunday’s Scottish League Cup final against St Mirren.”