Wilfried Nancy Under Heavy Fire as Celtic Fans Brutally Slam His Fresh ‘Suffering’ Excuses.

Wilfried Nancy’s early tenure as Celtic manager has plunged into turbulence as frustrated supporters and former Parkhead heroes launch a wave of criticism over the boss’s latest explanation for the club’s poor form. Celtic’s 3–0 home defeat to Roma  coming just days after a damaging league loss to Hearts  has sparked a fierce backlash, with fans accusing Nancy of hiding behind “excuses” and failing to provide clarity on how he aims to turn the club’s fortunes around.

Nancy, appointed with optimism and the promise of a new era, now finds himself facing heavy scrutiny after suggesting that Celtic are “suffering” due to fixture congestion, preparation issues and the emotional weight surrounding an upcoming cup final. But his insistence that he is “not concerned” has landed badly among the Celtic support.

Celtic fans erupt after Nancy’s post-match comments

Speaking after the Roma defeat, Nancy tried to reassure fans that progress is being made beneath the surface. Instead, his words lit a fuse.

“At this moment it is a bit difficult,” he said. “The players are suffering because the schedule has been demanding and we have a final coming up. This week was not easy. I liked the reaction, and I am not concerned.”

Those comments  particularly the suggestion that Celtic’s suffering was part of a natural process  triggered instant backlash.

Boos echoed around Celtic Park after the final whistle, and online reaction turned sharp within minutes. Many supporters argued that the manager was deflecting responsibility and failing to address glaring tactical issues.

One fan posted:

“We’re suffering because we’re lost on the pitch  not because of the schedule. Enough excuses.”

Another wrote:

“You can’t lose 3–0 at home and say you’re not concerned. That’s unacceptable at Celtic.”

The mood is clear supporters fear the team lacks direction, urgency and identity under Nancy’s leadership.

Celtic legends add more pressure

The unrest did not stop with the fans. Three former Celtic greats  Stiliyan Petrov, Johan Mjällby, and Joe Hart delivered their own stinging assessments live on television.

Petrov: “Saying he’s not concerned is a huge concern.”

Petrov was visibly stunned by Nancy’s tone.

“I feel sorry for him, because he’s barely a week into the job, but his back is already against the wall. Saying he is not concerned is a huge concern. The fans are worried  and right now, he can’t give the answers.”

Mjällby: “Time is running out for Celtic, not for him.”

Johan Mjällby offered a blunt observation about the team’s ability to adapt.

“He needs time on the training ground, and he needs it urgently. This is Celtic you can’t afford many slip-ups. Time is running out, not for his job, but for Celtic’s title hopes.”

Hart: “This is about representing a big club.”

Former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart said the manager must quickly understand the demands ahead.

“He needs to know what St Mirren will bring in the final. It’s not about systems or style now  it’s about representing a big football club and fighting for every ball.”

Tactical issues fuelling supporter frustration

While Nancy insists he “saw good things” in the Roma defeat, fans and pundits saw a very different picture.

Celtic lacked defensive structure, allowed Roma’s midfield to play through them with ease and struggled to create meaningful chances. The same issues appeared in the Hearts match  disorganization, slow transitions, and a worrying lack of cohesion.

Supporters believe these problems point to deeper concerns about coaching direction and the players’ understanding of Nancy’s instructions.

One supporter summed it up:

“We’ve gone backwards in two games. No structure, no plan, no urgency.”

Another added:

“If this is the reaction he likes, we’re in trouble.”

Cup final now becomes a critical moment

The timing of Celtic’s slump makes things even more volatile. With the Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren only days away, pressure on Nancy is intensifying rapidly. A trophy in his first week could calm nerves. A defeat, however, could ignite a full-blown crisis.

Fan expectation is clear  Celtic must win, and win convincingly.

Many supporters believe Nancy’s repeated mentions of suffering and scheduling have set the wrong tone ahead of a final that demands steel, not sympathy.

“This is the worst time to be talking about suffering,” one fan said outside Celtic Park.

“We need leadership, not excuses.”

Nancy insists belief remains strong

Despite the fierce criticism, Nancy remains defiant. He continues to insist that he is encouraged by what he sees in training and on the pitch.

“My belief in the players is really strong,” he said. “I know patience is difficult in football, but we will turn this around.”

Supporters, however, are no longer convinced by reassurance alone. After two heavy defeats, troubling performances and excuses that have failed to calm rising tempers, Wilfried Nancy’s next steps will define not just his first

month  but potentially his entire Celtic tenure.

The final is coming. And so is judgment.