The brief and disastrous tenure of Wilfried Nancy at Celtic continues to reverberate, with fresh criticism emerging not just from observers of the Scottish Premiership, but now from within his former ranks at Columbus Crew. Crew defender Max Arfsten has revealed that the team’s attacking edge diminished under Nancy in his final season, a concerning admission that further undermines the Frenchman’s reputation after a spectacularly unsuccessful 33-day stint in Glasgow.
Nancy was relieved of his duties at Celtic after securing only two wins in eight matches, a record that firmly places him among the club’s least effective managers. His arrival at Celtic had been preceded by praise for his innovative tactics and success in Major League Soccer, particularly his work with Columbus Crew. However, Arfsten’s comments suggest that cracks were already appearing before Nancy’s move to Scotland.
“I think last year there was a lot of times when we’d have the ball the majority of the game,” Arfsten said, speaking ahead of the MLS season. “And sometimes we’d go side to side too much or maybe not be as threatening as we’d like. So I definitely think there’s an element of we can attack quicker when we have the ball and have more of a purpose with the ball.”
Arfsten’s assessment points to a core issue with Nancy’s approach: a focus on possession without a corresponding ability to create scoring opportunities. The Crew, under Nancy, seemingly became bogged down in sterile passing sequences, lacking the incisiveness needed to break down opposing defenses. This tactical inflexibility is now being addressed by new Columbus Crew boss Henrik Rydstorm, who is planning “tactical tweaks” to inject more attacking dynamism into the team.
The revelation from Arfsten is particularly damaging to Nancy’s credibility given the initial enthusiasm surrounding his appointment at Celtic. US-based analysts had predicted that Celtic would embrace Nancy’s style of play, but the reality proved starkly different. The disconnect between expectation and performance ultimately led to his swift dismissal, with Martin O’Neill returning to steady the ship.
The situation at Celtic highlights the inherent risks in appointing managers based solely on reputation or perceived potential. Nancy’s success at Columbus Crew did not automatically translate to success in a different league, with different players, and a different set of expectations. The Celtic faithful, accustomed to a high-octane, attacking brand of football, were left frustrated by Nancy’s cautious and ultimately ineffective approach.
The Crew’s struggles in Nancy’s final season, as highlighted by Arfsten, suggest that the issues at Celtic were not simply a matter of adaptation or cultural differences. Rather, they were indicative of a deeper tactical flaw that was already present within Nancy’s system. The team’s inability to convert possession into goals ultimately proved to be their undoing, both in Ohio and, in Glasgow.
Rydstorm’s focus on a more direct and purposeful attacking style suggests a recognition of the need for change. The Crew’s goal tally dipped last season, falling short of the previous two campaigns and significantly lagging behind MLS Cup champions Inter Miami. Addressing this goalscoring deficit is clearly a priority for the new manager, and Arfsten’s comments underscore the importance of finding a more effective attacking formula.
As for Nancy, his future in management remains uncertain. While he has been linked with French side Saint-Étienne, no concrete offers have materialized. The Celtic debacle has undoubtedly damaged his prospects, and he may need to reassess his approach and rebuild his reputation before securing another high-profile position. The lessons from his time at both Columbus Crew and Celtic are clear: possession is not enough; a team must also possess the cutting edge to convert opportunities into goals.
The contrast between Nancy’s departure and O’Neill’s continued success at Celtic is also striking. O’Neill remains unbeaten domestically across his two spells as manager, a testament to his tactical acumen and ability to inspire his players. While Nancy struggled to impose his vision on the team, O’Neill has seamlessly slotted back into the role, providing a much-needed sense of stability and direction.
