A lot has gone wrong in Wilfried Nancy’s four games in charge of Celtic.
What those four games have in common is that they ended in defeat – yet all four of them have been different.
As for Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Dundee United, the Celts’ finishing was a striking weakness. This is nothing new – Celtic’s goal numbers have been woeful this season compared to the previous before.
But when coupled with the team’s new-found fragility under Nancy, it’s a recipe for every game being hard work – and not a recipe for winning titles.
For Charlie Mulgrew, it was like nothing he’d seen before.
Let’s hear your score predictions below!
Charlie Mulgrew on Dundee United vs Celtic
A key aspect ahead of the game was three Celtic attackers who were unavailable after Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final.
Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha had left for AFCON, whilst Kelechi Iheanacho suffered a recurrence of a muscle injury.
READ MORE: Hugh Keevins says someone at Celtic has ‘had a word’ with Wilfried Nancy over divisive issue
Regardless of your thoughts on those three players, a dearth of attacking options is exactly what this team didn’t need.
And Mulgrew, speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, was bewildered by the chances that Celtic missed.
He said: “They missed sitters… I mean, did you see how many sitters?
“I’ve never seen as many sitters missed in a game. Johnny Kenny, Yang, Shin Yamada, absolutely good, good chances.
“But then it goes back to the old debate. Tactics are obviously part of the game, but then that energy you feel for a manager sometimes…
“Look at Kenny. Scores four under Martin O’Neill, then last night looks like he can’t score. I’m not saying Kenny’s the answer long-term, but I mean…
“The chances he missed last night, he’s got to put them away. He’s killed Nancy in that respect.”
Strong words perhaps, but few would disagree that Kenny leading the line for Celtic isn’t ideal.
What would your message be to Wilfried Nancy?
Striker: Celtic’s biggest priority in January?
Iheanacho has contributed positively when in the team, but he is clearly an injury-prone player. He can’t be relied on in that respect.
For that reason, a new striker must be signed in place of Kenny and Yamada – preferably before Celtic’s Glasgow Derby against Rangers.
Wessam Abou Ali has been linked with the Hoops. The Palestine striker was signed by Nancy at Columbus Crew in the summer, and is highly rated on the continent.
Louis Munteanu’s name also features prominently – the Romanian was chased by a host of clubs in the summer, but ultimately stayed put due to his club’s exorbitant asking price.
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