Nancy has adopted what most observers have called a 3-4-3, though the manager has played down the significance of the system and preferred to focus on performance.
The Frenchman is new to Scottish football, where the game can be very structured. That is especially true among opponents that have been reared and schooled in trying to contain and frustrate a dominant Celtic in recent years.
However, are shape and tactics the big issues?
James: Why the ball is given to Trusty when he is so slow a team of snails could get their defensive structure in place. Why each shy takes an age when ball boys used to be coached in recovery speed. Why forwards seldom shoot but pass and why do defenders not tackle but just back off. Finally, what happened to defenders at the goal posts.
Andy: System has nothing to do with this result. Simply highlights that we have too many players not fit to wear the shirt. Defenders need to defend, then give the ball to the creative players! We are caught with everyone attacking!!
Pete: Three games in, three defeats and eight goals conceded. The system does not work, Tounekti is an attacking winger with no defensive instincts, Nancy has managed to make Callum ineffective. Wrong tactics but already appears too stubborn to play our players in their correct positions. By the time the board make some form of decision our season will be over and the cabinet will be empty!
Steve: I made the point on Thursday that not one Celtic player would get a place on the Roma bench and we were deservedly beaten. Today a St Mirren team that not one player would get on the Celtic bench deservedly beat us. Because they were a well coached team with a structure and organisation that complimented the resources at their disposal.
Tony: Anyone who thinks this is on a manager who’s been in for a week, mid-season, with no time to implement his style is simply not in touch with reality. This Celtic squad have been gutted for profit and barring a few decent results under club legend Martin O’Neill, are way below the standard. Wilfried Nancy has been thrown under the bus by a board not fit for purpose and the fans who want him out need to have a look at themselves. The board have fallen asleep at the wheel and will blame everyone but themselves for their failure.
Owen: It is too early to say whether Nancy will be a success at Celtic. Currently we don’t have the personnel to play the style that he wants and he has not really had the time to implement his vision properly. That being said, at Celtic it’s about winning trophies. The squad is good enough to have won today and that should have been the priority. The performances have been disappointing so far and I’m concerned that this losing run could continue until the transfer window opens, unless he shows more flexibility.
