Updated: 28 May 2026 16:26 BST |
5 min read
Former Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has a clear idea about his next job amid suggestions that he could return to Major League Soccer.
The Frenchman left the Columbus Crew after the 2025 season with the goal of finally making the jump to Europe. Regarded as one of the best coaches in North America, and having played some of the most attractive football on the continent, Nancy was ready for the next step.
Until he wasn’t. He stepped into the lion’s den of Celtic Park, taking over from beloved club legend Martin O’Neill, who had managed to steady the ship in the interim following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation, and showed himself to be wholly unprepared for the task at hand.
Nancy immediately tried to impose his specific system on a team not at all suited to his style, which spectacularly backfired. Ridiculed on social media and, seemingly, even by his players, the 49-year-old was sacked after just 33 days.
He won just two of his eight games in charge, losing the other six. This rotten run included an embarrassing 3-1 defeat to St. Mirren in the final of the Scottish League Cup. He hasn’t had a job since his sacking in January.
Nancy gunning for Ligue 1 job
Despite his disastrous Celtic spell, Nancy still has admirers. Even before he was officially sacked, reports in France suggested that promotion-chasing Ligue 2 side Saint-Etienne were considering appointing him.
In the end, ASSE did make a coaching change, but they settled on Philippe Montanier in February rather than Nancy. They are now aiming for promotion via the playoff. They played out a historically dull 0-0 draw with Nice in the first leg on Tuesday, with neither side recording a shot on target.
With Nancy still out of a job, it was recently suggested that he could return to MLS. His stock in the league remains high after he achieved a club-record points tally with Montreal and delivered trophies at Columbus.
Both of his former clubs have already made coaching changes this season. In fact, there have already been seven managerial departures in MLS. By contrast, there were eight during the entirety of the 2025 season. This is due to the World Cup break effectively serving as a second pre-season.
However, when it was put to Columbus general manager Issa Tall that Nancy is available, he dismissed the idea of making an approach for the Frenchman because “last I remember, Wilfried has European aspirations.”
Indeed, the 49-year-old is determined to stay in Europe: he wants a job in Ligue 1. Speaking to After Foot, he has revealed that he is gunning for a position in France’s top flight.
“I am confident in my work, but I am also humble because things can move very quickly in football,” Nancy said. “It’s true that, in the past three years, there’s been no reason to complain because French clubs wanted to work with me.
“It is a question of timing, and the timing wasn’t right at the time. Now, I want to come to Ligue 1, if there is an opportunity. I am not the one who decides, but I am ready.”
What are his options? It is unclear, but there are some vacancies this summer. Lorient are looking for a manager after a successful season under Olivier Pantaloni, who is quitting over what he has described as a lack of trust from club chiefs.
Lorient are part of the Black Knight group that owns Bournemouth and Auckland FC. A project manager like Nancy could appeal to the Bretons, but they’re not the only side looking for a coach.
Lille will replace Bruno Genesio, though they already appear to have a favourite in mind: Carlo Ancelotti’s son, Davide. Antoine Koumbare’s position at Red Bull-owned Paris FC is currently uncertain, while Marseille could part ways with Habib Beye.
Ligue 1 Manager of the Season Pierre Sage could leave RC Lens after finishing as runners-up to PSG and winning the Coupe de France. He is one of the names under consideration by Crystal Palace to replace Oliver Glasner.
Nancy could have options, but it is doubtful that top clubs will be queuing up for the still relatively inexperienced manager.
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