Wilfried Nancy – Post-Match Press Conference
Motherwell 2–0 Celtic | Fir Park. The Celtic manager was speaking to the assembled press pack following the match.
How do you reflect on that performance?
“Tough night, tough night. We faced a good team, collectively really good. I knew today could be a bit difficult because of the way they play and where we are at this moment.
“I think in the first half we had imbalances at certain moments because we were in between pressing, being patient and jumping. We conceded the first goal from a throw-in and a cross, and I think we can do better on that.
“We didn’t create too much. In the second half we were more of a collective in terms of jumping and winning the ball, and that was better. We had a few opportunities but it was difficult to score. After that, the game became about their offensive transitions because we missed a few passes and some technical things at certain moments. That was the reality tonight.”
You’ve spoken about positives after previous defeats. Did you see any tonight?
“Tonight was a tough one. This is the reality.
“I saw some positive things defensively in the second half. The way we coped with how they imbalanced us in the first half was better. But overall, it was not a good game for us. We missed many, many things. That’s the reality tonight.”
You made three changes at half-time. What was the thinking behind that?
“It was planned because Daizen [Maeda] and Kieran [Tierney] have played a lot of minutes. Initially, I wanted them on the bench, but I also wanted them to be part of the game because they are important. The idea was always to give them only 45 minutes.”
So those substitutions were planned in advance?
“Yes. They were tired. They’ve run a lot and done more sprints since we came in. Physically, I have concerns and I don’t want them injured. I had to make choices.”
That’s five defeats in seven games. Do you feel under pressure?
“As a manager, this is not something I want, and it’s not something we want. But pressure doesn’t change the way I think. We know we have to do better.
“For the moment, this is the reality. I knew it could be like this. We’ve had good games at certain moments. Tonight was difficult. The last game, the first half was really good, the second half could have been better. That’s where we are.”
Are you confident you can turn this around?
“Yes, I’m confident. I had to make choices tonight regarding the team. We also have players unavailable. So yes, I’m confident about where we want to go.
“This game was tough and difficult for us, but I believe we’re going to get better.”
Is this weekend’s game against Rangers defining for your future?
“No, not at all. Every game is important for me and for the team.
“I don’t think about my future. I think about what we need to do now to improve the team. That’s how I think.”
Do you understand why supporters are concerned? They’re not seeing progress.
“Progress is there. But tonight, considering where we are and the opposition, it was difficult. That’s a fact. I’m not accepting that as an excuse — I’m saying this is the reality.
“Now we have to work to improve that, and we’ve been working on it since the beginning.”
Are you confident Paul Tisdale and the recruitment team can get the players you need?
“Yes. We’re working on that. That’s the idea.”
Celtic fans will say this is Celtic against Motherwell, with very different budgets. Do you understand their expectations?
“Yes, I understand that. But there is context and there are facts. This is the reality.
“I’m not saying we are underdogs. When we play, we want to win. But for this game, we didn’t play well. I know where I am, I know the club I work for. I understand the concern. But tonight, this was the reality.”
You mentioned progress earlier – were there signs of it tonight?
“At certain moments, yes. But it wasn’t enough for what we want to do. For this game, it wasn’t a good performance.
“This is the first time since I’ve been here that we struggled a lot. Previously, we had good moments and good games at times. We’re working to be more consistent, and we will do things to improve that. But yes, I understand the concern.”
Do you understand the enormity of Saturday’s game against Rangers?
“Yes. It’s a rivalry. I know Celtic against Rangers, and I know what it means.
“I do this job to play these kinds of games. We want to play with passion. Tonight is tonight. We’ll have time to prepare, to rest, and to face this team.”
On the evidence of tonight, do you feel the players are fighting for you?
“Yes. It was difficult at times tonight, but I have no concern about that.”
Is Saturday a must-win game?
“Yes – like every game.”
Callum McFadden 