Former Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy eyeing comeback

The Frenchman, who was appointed in December, was dismissed earlier this month after a dismal record that saw just two wins in eight matches.

This unsuccessful period has marked him as potentially the worst manager in Celtic's history.

Despite this setback, Nancy is keen to make a comeback, with reports from French outlets Actu and Envertetcontretous suggesting his name has been proposed for a role at Saint-Étienne.

The news comes despite the club already having a manager in place, Erik Horneland, who is under increased pressure following a defeat to Reims that left the team fifth in Ligue 2, battling for promotion to the top flight.

Celtic captain, Callum McGregor, recently shared his reflections, stating it could be down to drastic changes in the team's gameplay approach.

Mr McGregor said: "I think too much, too soon, in terms of change.

"You go from a team that’s super aggressive and on the front foot for 10-plus years, the whole time I’ve been here pretty much.

"Playing a certain way and being asked to do things in a certain way, defending a certain way, and then you bring in the nuance of knowing the league, playing in Scotland."

McGregor also shared his personal belief that putting pressure on the ball and maintaining a high press, which was a feature of their past gameplay, could have eliminated many of the defensive struggles they faced.

In his view, the dramatic shifts in football style brought on by Nancy's leadership might have been too much too soon for the team.

"For me, it was just a little bit too much, too soon, in terms of that change. It was quite a big change from where the team had been," Mr McGregor stated.

He added that the challenging circumstances made it difficult to learn and adapt.

"It was really a tough situation coming in and having a game every three days. You're almost learning in the game.

"We all know it’s probably the harshest environment you can have to learn in."

The constant pressure and diminishing confidence due to unfavourable game outcomes seemed to affect the team adversely.

"And like anything as human beings, when you take away that confidence then players and everybody starts to struggle with that. You need to have belief in yourself.

"Ultimately, when you’re losing games that does waver. We’re human beings, it does affect you."

While acknowledging the unfortunate end of Nancy’s stint with Celtic, McGregor is keen to draw a line under it and focus on the positives.

"It’s really unfortunate that it didn’t work out, but I think we need to draw a line under it now.

"There’s been so many negative stories going about this season but there is so much positive to look forward and play for. The players have drawn a line under it."

With a tarnished reputation and a point to prove, only time will tell if Wilfried Nancy can recoup his standing and find success in his potential new role at Saint-Étienne.

The 48-year-old will undoubtedly be eager to return to the highs he experienced in MLS with FC Montreal and the Columbus Crew.

For now, though, speculation continues as the football world waits to see if his name will indeed be carved into the Saint-Étienne management plaque.