Thierry Henry has urged Celtic supporters to remain calm over Wilfried Nancy’s disastrous start, insisting the Frenchman deserves time to implement his ideas.
Thierry Henry of Barcelona chases Aiden McGeady of Celtic during the UEFA Champions League 2nd leg of the First knockout round match between FC Barcelona and Celtic at the Camp Nou stadium on March 4, 2007. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
The former Arsenal and Premier League star believes any assessment of Nancy’s tenure should wait until the season reaches its conclusion, despite mounting pressure following a run of four consecutive defeats.
Nancy has begun his time at Celtic with losses to Hearts, Roma, St Mirren in the Premier Sports League Cup final and most recently Dundee United, prompting debate over his future.
Wilfried Nancy, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Tannadice, 17 December 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Henry – who previously worked alongside Nancy during their time together at CF Montreal – has backed his former colleague and appealed for restraint, stressing it is premature to judge the manager so early into his reign.
When questioned about Nancy’s start to life at Celtic on BBC Sport, Henry said: “I see people calling for him to leave the place.”
“As a coach myself, I think it’s too early to say that. Let him work and let him cook and judge him maybe at the end of the season.”
Michael Nicholson and Dermot Desmond are said to remain supportive of Wilfried Nancy, even as the team’s poor run of results continues under his leadership.
Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson and Celtic Chief Financial Officer Chris Mackay in the directors box. Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 07 December 2025. IMAGO photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock
Speculation emerged on Thursday claiming talks had taken place regarding a possible departure, but those suggestions are understood to be inaccurate for now, with no immediate plans to change the managerial situation.
However informed sources believe that while Nancy was given public support by the Board after the defeat at Tannadice he had asked for and was given two further matches to turn things around, so has to win the games against Aberdeen and Livingston to remain as Celtic manager.
Speaking post-match on Wednesday night about ANOTHER defeat, Nancy dismissed any suggestion that he was fighting to keep his job. “Yes [I can turn it around],” he said.
“I can see everyday improvements. And I think that today, we did a good game again, but in terms of results, it was not enough. And we all want to win, the players, myself and so on. But in terms of results, obviously, I can understand why the fans are upset.”
Exclusive 💣
Wilfried Nancy requested 2 more games in emergency 🆘 meeting. @CelticFC board will grant up to 2 games to improve performances
Publicly backing him for legal reasons; privately doubt if manager can turn it around #Celtic pic.twitter.com/npDUAvIOqM
— indykaila News (@indykaila) December 18, 2025
Conor Spence
Conor Spence appeared on Sky Sports yesterday afternoon representing The Celtic Star. Here’s what was said…
🍀 “There’s visible confusion and frustration with key players on the pitch…”
Conor Spence from @CelticStarMag on Wilfried Nancy’s winless start at Celtic and if he can turn things around ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/bI4VRWYW6a
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 19, 2025
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