Columbus Crew star speaks out on Wilfried Nancy to Celtic as he admits move would be ‘tough’

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Celtic’s search for a new manager is developing quickly this week.

The Hoops are out of action until next Saturday’s trip to face St Mirren, but it isn’t yet clear if Martin O’Neill will still be in charge for that game.

Since taking over from Brendan Rodgers on an interim basis, the 73-year-old has won three of his four games, but O’Neill insists that he doesn’t expect a permanent offer.

Wilfried Nancy is the current front-runner, if reports are to be believed. The Columbus Crew boss is highly rated in the US, but relatively unknown in Europe.

And as the Frenchman moves to the front of the queue for the Parkhead hotseat, one of his players has conceded that he wouldn’t begrudge him a move.

Columbus Crew’s Max Arfsten on Wilfried Nancy to Celtic rumours

Max Arfsten’s career has been transformed by Nancy at Columbus.

Since the Frenchman handed him his MLS debut in 2023, he has become a mainstay for the club and is now a regular feature in Mauricio Pochettino’s US national team.

READ MORE: Chris Sutton tells Celtic fans to ‘forget about Europe’ in blunt Wilfried Nancy verdict

He is currently with the national side alongside Celtic’s Auston Trusty – one wonders what kind of conversations they’re currently having.

And speaking to Prosoccerwire about the potential managerial change, Arfsten was honest but gracious about his feelings towards Nancy.

He said: “He’s meant a massive amount in my career. I feel like he’s developed me as a player a lot in Columbus, tactically, technically, just understanding the game.

“So I’m always super thankful and appreciative of him. And one thing about him I love is he’s always challenging me no matter where I’m at in my career.

“He always has something to tell me to help me grow as a player. I can’t say enough good things about him and I’m thankful to have him as my club coach.

“”Obviously it’d be tough if he left just because he’s a good coach, but he has to do what he wants for his career.

“If he wants to go to Europe and test himself out there, I feel like you’ve got to respect that. It would definitely be tough for us in Columbus, for sure.

But it’s one of those things where at the same time, if he decides to go, then you’ve got to be happy for him, because that’s what he wants to do next.”

The USA are in action against Paraguay and Uruguay in this international break.