By:
Mark Hendry
Martin O’Neill has defended new Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy and demanded fans give their new gaffer a chance.
The Frenchman arrived in Glasgow from Columbus Crew in the MLS but he has struggled to get off to a good start.
In fact, Nancy has made unwanted Hoops history and became the first boss to lose his first two – then three – matches in charge in the history of the club with defeats to Hearts, AS Roma and St Mirren on Sunday.
Nancy had taken over from ex-interim manager Martin O’Neill who had won seven of his eight games in charge following his decision to agree to take over from Brendan Rodgers who resigned.
O’Neill is a bonafide Celtic legend and his interim role only strengthened that reputation and some fans have called on the Irishman to head back to the dugout to relieve Nancy of his duties.
Martin O’Neill demands patience for Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy
The 73-year-old, however, has urged punters to stick with their new leader in Nancy as three matches, regardless of result, is not enough for any new coach to stamp their authority on anything.
“First of all you’ve got to give managers a chance. I think back to my own time at Leicester City where I eventually enjoyed some success,” O’Neill said on talkSPORT.
“When I went in at first I don’t even think my head was right because I’d just left Norwich after six months, used that old excuse about fighting with the chairman when it was really all my own fault.
“I couldn’t win a game to save my life, crowd was baying for blood after 10 games. So I think to myself how lucky I was to win a few games of real importance at a stage.
“Coming into the situation now you’ve just got to win, you’ve got to go and steady it again if it’s gone afloat a bit. Go in and win a game or two.”
O’Neill offers Nancy advice on how to improve Celtic
Asked how he reckons Nancy can improve things at Parkhead, O’Neill offered some advice based on his own experience.
“There’s some excellent players there, some who have won big times as well, the captain is a terrific example of that. He was brilliant for and to me.
“Sometimes lean on the senior players and get them on your side.
“It is recoverable for Wilfried Nancy. Of course. You’re in the football club 12 days! Even though you’ve watched the team, you still have to learn about the players. I had to learn myself, with great help from my coaching staff.
“I leaned on certain things.
“You cannot make a judgment on anyone over three games. The matches were difficult, Roma would be a difficult game at home or not, Hearts are top of the table and a cup final.
“You’ve got to give a manager some time.”
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