Struggling ex-MLS coach humiliates himself with claim about Scottish soccer

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy has faced criticism after four consecutive defeats, following controversial comments about knowing Scottish soccer through his near-signing with English club Carlisle United

Wilfried Nancy is under pressure at Celtic(Image: Getty Images)

Embattled Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy has been ridiculed after insisting that he knows Scottish soccer because he nearly joined Carlisle United, an English team.

The Frenchman, who made a name for himself in Major League Soccer by coaching Montreal and Columbus Crew, is being advised to revisit his geography, as the Cumbrian city of Carlisle ceased being part of Scotland nearly 1,000 years ago.

Nancy, 48, is already under pressure to be dismissed at Celtic following defeats in their opening four matches. No newly-appointed Celtic manager had ever suffered losses in their first two fixtures until Nancy achieved that unwelcome milestone last week with setbacks against title contender Hearts and Kostas Tsimikas' Roma in the Europa League.

On Sunday, his players were shocked 3-1 by St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup final. Now, after Wednesday's 2-1 reverse away to Dundee United, Nancy has become the first Celtic manager since club legend Jock Stein in 1978 to endure four consecutive defeats.

During his post-match media briefing, the 48-year-old made an extraordinary assertion when questioned about his suitability for Scottish top-flight soccer.

"I know Scottish football. I know the way it is. I come from France, I come from Europe," Nancy declared.

"I was close to signing for Carlisle when I was a player. I know exactly where I am. It is Scottish football; it is physical. There is a lot of intensity and fight, and the referee don’t stop it a lot. You are talking like this, but I take it, and I know we are improving."

Carlisle is in England, not Scotland(Image: Getty Images)

His remarks caused quite a stir in the media room at Tannadice and swiftly spread across social media platforms.

While some football supporters showed understanding given that English isn't his first language, one user wrote on X: "Surely this guy is joking? I have never seen a start from a new manager as bad as this. PR gaffes and own goals all over the place."

"This is truly absolutely hilarious," another fan said.

"He does himself absolutely no favors," a third social media user commented.

Nancy declined to disclose the timeframe during which he held discussions about joining Carlisle. The former defender's playing career spanned from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, during which he competed solely in his homeland of France.

Celtic officials handed Nancy a two-and-a-half-year deal, replacing Brendan Rodgers after his departure in October.

During Celtic's hunt for his successor, Martin O'Neill stepped in and delivered an outstanding performance on an interim basis. The Northern Irishman secured victory in seven of his eight matches and indicated he would have remained in post had he been asked.

Celtic is set to face Aberdeen at home this Sunday, with Nancy already confessing that he's feeling the heat following a disastrous start to his reign. Supporters called for his dismissal on Wednesday as Dundee United celebrated the team's first win in seven matches.

"It's difficult for me, yes," Nancy admitted. "This is the situation. But again, I'm going to take it. Like I said to the players, I'm going to be in front of you. Because I have to do it. And the fans are not happy. I'm going to take it with that.

"But I believe also that we can do better. And I think that today we were close to having a really good performance. But we didn't do better at the good moments."