Celtic: Timing or Tactics—What’s Gone Wrong Recently Under the New Manager?
Three losses in a row, a stumble in domestic cup finals, and a drop in the Scottish Premiership—these are not the headlines Celtic fans are accustomed to. Add an uneven Europa League run and growing discontent among supporters, and December feels less like a festive period and more like a grim midwinter stretch.
But claiming a full-blown crisis would be premature. Celtic sit behind Hearts in the league table but have played two fewer matches. They’ve still won nine of the last thirteen trophies available, a level of success that’s always going to be hard to sustain. If they can cling to the league lead and still have a shot at this season’s Scottish Cup, the title chances remain alive.
Since Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final defeat to St Mirren, Celtic supporters have voiced several recurring concerns. Here are the main themes that have surfaced:
- The appointment of Nancy as permanent manager followed Martin O’Neill’s return on an interim basis, after Brendan Rodgers’ departure. In the past, O’Neill’s seven wins in eight games suggested strong domestic form and confidence, contrasting sharply with the recent downturn. Some analysts suggest a mismatch between the players’ capabilities and the manager’s tactics, and argue that a formation change after the Roma match might have offered a better chance to lift a cup.
- A business-like maxim rings through the discussion: when a plan isn’t working, you need to adapt quickly. Several voices say the recruitment strategy hasn’t paid off and that a swift change in approach is required—potentially even a quick reset in 2026 to avoid slipping further in the league.
- Calls for board accountability have grown louder. With Dermot Desmond seen as the pivotal figure who appointed O’Neill, some supporters argue that leadership changes should occur at the top before another managerial appointment is made.
- The timing of Nancy’s arrival is a source of frustration. Multiple fans question why a new manager was brought in during a crucial period, urging a more gradual transition to allow his system to take root.
- The players themselves are under scrutiny. Several observers argue that the squad isn’t fully equipped to execute the manager’s plan and that a number of individuals aren’t performing up to Celtic’s standards. This has fueled a broader critique of the club’s player selection and positional setup.
Opinions among fans are varied, and the debate often swings between tactical critique and structural responsibility. Some supporters scapegoat the new coach and his system, while others argue that the real issues lie with who the club has recruited and how the board has managed the transition. A few voices even suggest that the board’s decisions over several seasons have played a larger role in Celtic’s current struggles than any single game or formation.
Despite the criticism, there is room for cautious optimism. Celtic’s earlier resurgence under Martin O’Neill demonstrates how quickly fortunes can turn around, and the season is far from finished. It would be unwise to discount Celtic’s potential given their recent history of dominance, including a trophy-rich run that stretched back to the 2020-21 campaign when they recovered from a trophyless spell.
A fan named John sums up a hopeful sentiment: Celtic will return stronger than ever. While that may seem aspirational today, it reflects a belief in the club’s resilience and the possibility of a timely turnaround.
Would you agree that the current hiccups are primarily a tactical recalibration issue, or do you think deeper structural changes at management and board level are necessary to restore Celtic’s momentum? Share your thoughts below."}
