Wilfried Nancy’s lack of familiarity with Scottish football has shown.
His instant implementation of a completely new formation at Celtic has caused the team’s form to suffer – and his risky approach has been exposed by Scottish Premiership sides.
Nancy was hired after two successful spells in MLS, which saw him exceed expectations with entertaining football at both CF Montreal and Columbus Crew.
But it goes without saying that this is a very different footballing environment to the one he has entered at Celtic.
Ahead of Saturday’s Glasgow Derby, Steven Caldwell has discussed Nancy’s derby experience, as someone familiar with both MLS and the Scottish game.
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MLS expert on Wilfried Nancy ahead of Celtic Glasgow Derby test
Saturday’s match at Celtic Park is as seismic as a New Year Derby can be.
Rangers would draw level on points with Nancy’s side with a win, but the Hoops can open a nice gap if they come out on top.
For Caldwell, speaking to the Scottish Sun, there is no comparison between what Nancy has experienced and what he is about to experience for the first time.
He said: “Toronto v Montreal is a derby that can get a bit rowdy but it’s nothing like Celtic against Rangers.
“I remember that 2021 game in Florida and it’s really strange thinking back to those times.
“Look, the rivalry between those two clubs has been good at points over the years.
“That particular game in 2021 wasn’t one to remember because it was played outside Canada and in front of no crowd.
“Montreal won that day and Wilfried would have enjoyed it but it won’t compare with what he will find on Saturday at Celtic Park.
“The ‘Hell is Real’ derby is one of the best in MLS because Columbus Crew and Cincinnati have both been strong in recent years. MLS is a new league. Some of the clubs are reasonably young and they have been trying to make these derbies.
“As the league has expanded, there have been more natural rivalries between clubs who are closer to each other.
“Right now, the MLS derbies just don’t have the same history that you get with the big Scottish games. But it’s something I hope will build and improve over the years.”
The big one… Give us your predicitions for the Glasgow derby
Celtic’s most recent Glasgow Derbies
The sides last met in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final under Martin O’Neill. A nerve-shattering affair went to extra time before the Hoops won 3-1.
It was less riveting at Ibrox in September, when sides managed by Russell Martin and Brendan Rodgers played out a dismal goalless draw.
Rodgers’ derby record last season was spotty to say the least, with both Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson beating him in the league.
But the most important of them all last season was the Premier Sports Cup final, which Celtic won on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
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