A new era will begin at Celtic on Thursday under Wilfried Nancy.
With it comes excitement, perhaps some nerves, but overall belief that Celtic’s trophy-winning ship will surge forward again.
When Nancy comes in, he will be expected to deploy a 3-4-3 formation, which requires three centre-backs, but do Celtic have enough depth in quality to push forward with that?
Perhaps the champions of Scotland can look over to Germany’s second-tier, and to Hannover 96, where things are starting to turn for the better for their loan-out player, Maik Nawrocki.
How many signings do Celtic need in January?
Maik Nawrocki finds form in a back three at Hannover 96 as Celtic search for centre-backs
Nawrocki signed for Celtic in 2023, when Rodgers returned to the club, but his defensive services were hardly used.
Starting just 12 matches, Nawrocki would spend more time on the bench or out of the matchday squad than on the football pitch.
That’s why moving to German second-tier side Hannover 96 in the summer on a season-long loan deal was crucial, but things didn’t start well.
With injuries playing their part, the 24-year-old first tasted first-team minutes in October, and now he has started five games in a row, winning three, including three clean sheets.
Hannover, who are expected to earn promotion to the Bundesliga this season, are sitting fourth after 14 matches, four points behind leaders Schalke.
There’s no doubt Nawrocki has made a difference, including supplying two assists whilst playing in a back three, which is even more interesting given Nancy’s formation.
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