Wilfried Nancy’s tenure as Celtic manager has begun in stormy fashion, as the French coach has become the first manager in the history of both Celtic and their Old Firm rivals Rangers to lose his opening four matches.
A 2-1 defeat at Dundee United marked the fourth consecutive loss since Nancy replaced interim boss Martin O’Neill just two weeks ago. The result surpassed the previous unwanted record of Tommy McLean, who lost his first three matches in caretaker charge at Rangers in 1983.
Only four Celtic managers had ever lost their opening match in the club’s 138-year history, and no Hoops boss had previously lost two at the start of their reign. Nancy’s rocky start has drawn attention not only because of the losses themselves but also due to the quality of opposition and context: defeats included a League Cup final loss to St Mirren and a Premiership setback against Dundee United, breaking long-standing records and disappointing fans who had enjoyed solid form under O’Neill.
Despite the rough start, Nancy remains defiant, highlighting positives such as improved performances and missed chances. Key absences like Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Jota have also compounded the team’s struggles, alongside adjustments to a new back-three system.
Historically, Celtic have rarely suffered four defeats in a row—the last time was in 1978 during Jock Stein’s final season. The club has only experienced five consecutive losses twice in its history, the most recent being in 1953. If the current run continues, Nancy risks equaling that unwanted record.
Nancy’s start is also extremely rare in the context of elite football. In the English Premier League, only Frank Lampard has lost his first four matches as manager of an ever-present top-flight club, during his second spell at Chelsea in 2022-23.
With his side facing Aberdeen next, a team Celtic have not lost to in over three decades, Nancy will be keen to halt the slide and avoid making history for all the wrong reasons.
