Explaining Celtic Manager Nancy’s ‘Unusual’ Tactics

Introduction

Celtic, the Scottish champions, have brought in Wilfried Nancy, the 2024 MLS Coach of the Year, to implement an exciting, front-foot approach. After a rocky start, Nancy’s tactics have started to show promise, with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Aberdeen providing much-needed respite. This article delves into Nancy’s distinctive tactical approach, his system at Columbus Crew, and what he is trying to create at Celtic.

Understanding Nancy’s Tactics

Nancy’s system at Celtic is a high-possession 3-4-2-1, similar to the one he used at Columbus Crew. In possession, Celtic build up with a 3-2 shape, consisting of three central defenders and two central midfielders positioned close to each other. Both wing-backs stay high and wide, and both attacking midfielders are positioned centrally, near the striker. This creates a box in the middle of the pitch, allowing for fluid movement and passing.

Positional Versatility and Attacking Centre-Backs

Nancy’s approach at Columbus Crew showcased the importance of positional versatility. His central defenders, such as Steven Moreira, Sean Zawadzki, and Malte Amundsen, are comfortable playing at either full-back or in midfield. This allows for a more fluid build-up play, with players moving into different positions to create space and opportunities.
Nancy’s use of attacking centre-backs is also noteworthy. His right centre-back, Moreira, often moves into a midfield position unmarked, creating space for the team to build up and attack. This unusual movement requires versatility from players and is likely to be a feature of Celtic under Nancy once the players become more accustomed to his methods.

Asymmetrical Play and Building Up

Nancy’s approach at Columbus Crew also highlighted his use of asymmetrical play. He often has eight players in close proximity, with six on the left-hand side. This creates an unusual challenge for the defending team, as passing becomes easier, and the team can speed up play and advance the ball into dangerous areas.
Nancy’s build-up play is designed to draw the opposition up the pitch, creating space for his team to attack. He encourages his players to attack space created by their team-mates, often resulting in unusual movements and runs from deep into the final third.

Promising Signs in Attack

Celtic’s attacking performances under Nancy have shown promise, with an improved level of creativity and precision in their attacking play. Against Aberdeen, Celtic had 71% of the ball, 31 shots, and an expected goals tally of 4.53. While they were unable to convert all of their chances, the numbers suggest that Nancy’s tactics are starting to bear fruit.

Challenges and Concerns

While Nancy’s tactics show promise, there are still concerns about Celtic’s defensive structure and set-piece defending. The team’s inability to defend set-pieces has been a recurring issue, and their squad may lack the profiles to dominate in their own box. Nancy believes that their struggles in this area are due to a lack of intensity, but the players selected will influence how intensely a side defends.

Celtic Must Trust the Process

Celtic executives recruited Nancy knowing what his game model consists of, and it will be interesting to see how it works in domestic football, where teams often sit back in a low block rather than press. Fans will need to show patience as Nancy’s tactics take time to develop and become more effective.

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