Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy reacts as he his team score their first goal during the Premier League match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park on December 21, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Q: A lot of people will ask the question, a lot of managers will ask the question also, about how much money do I have to spend? Is that a conversation topic, or is it more fluid than that?
Wilfried Nancy: “No, I know, but again, this is not about money. This is how we’re going to spend, so for me, this is the most important.”
Q: You mentioned personality when you’re bringing in new players. How important has that been to you in your previous jobs?
Wilfried Nancy: “Yeah, it’s key. It’s key because, again, with a lot of humility, what I try to do in terms of the way we play, we need a player with a lot of personality. Also, when we add the context, the club, to play here, this is not easy. So we need players like that. That’s why, for me, this is so, so, so important.”
21.12.2025 Celtic v Aberdeen, Scottish Premiership. Kieran Tierney scores for Celtic 2-1. Photo IMAGO Kenny Ramsay
Q: Wilfried, when you were managing in North America and even back in your playing days in France, did you ever play festive football? Was it something that you’ve done before? Or will this be your first time playing games on the 27th?
Wilfried Nancy: “Ah, no, it’s going to be the first time. Yeah, everything is new. So, Christmas time, usually it’s off, family time and so on. And now, no. So that’s why I was a bit lost two hours ago because I was thinking that we were off!”
Q: What do you think about it? It’s a big tradition for us here.
Wilfried Nancy: “I love it. I love it because when I was in France or Europe or United States, I was so happy to wake up because of the jet lag and to watch games. And now I’m going to be part of that. I’m really excited by that. And it’s new, but I like it.”
