Wilfried Nancy's Celtic tenure analysed from within - 'he was acutely aware'
Defender found it tough watching difficult spell from sidelines
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston found it tough watching Wilfried Nancy’s ill-fated tenure as head coach unfold while he was injured - but is convinced the Frenchman can be a success elsewhere.
Nancy was appointed Celtic boss in December, but lasted just 33 days after losing six of his eight matches in charge.
Johnston worked with Nancy before in his native Canada, but was unable to play in any of Nancy’s games due to a hamstring injury.
“It was tough, just because I couldn't be out on the grass,” said Johnston. “I knew what he wanted to implement and how different it would be compared to what we're used to here. It was just tough being injured and not being able to get out on the grass and help things, and help guys understand exactly what he was trying to look for.
"Again, French is his first language – there are a couple of things that can get lost in translation a little bit. I was just trying my best, especially off the pitch, just to help guys out. But it's never the same when you're off the pitch, trying to talk guys through it versus being out there and helping them through.
"It was a really sticky period. We dropped quite a few points there. It was quite a low in my time at the club. We never had results like that in such a prolonged period.”
Asked if he thought Nancy’s ideas could have worked with a pre-season, Johnston continued: "Look, I think he's a great manager. I think his football does work. Whatever the case was, it obviously wasn't the right time. But that's not to say he can't go to another European club or wherever and make it work.
"Would a pre-season probably have helped? I do think so. Whenever you're trying to do a completely different style of football and introduce some really new ideas, it definitely helps to have friendly matches to really work on things.
"But that's also the challenge of working at a club like this – you don't necessarily get time. Especially when you come in mid-season, you need to hit the ground running, and I think that's something he was acutely aware of.
"Unfortunately, it didn't work out, but I've got no doubt in mind that he's going to go somewhere else and be a huge success."
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