Nancy Under Early Pressure at Parkhead

Wilfried Nancy is already feeling the heat at Celtic, with the Frenchman heading into Saturday’s Old Firm clash against Rangers having lost five of his first seven matches in charge.

One issue that has baffled supporters and pundits alike is the former Columbus Crew manager’s determination to stick with his favoured 3-4-3 system, despite personnel problems in defence.

Injury Woes Expose Tactical Problems

With Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alastair Johnston both ruled out long term, Nancy has been forced into makeshift solutions. Natural full-back Anthony Ralston has been deployed on the right side of a back three, while South Korea international Yang — an out-and-out winger — has been used in the unfamiliar role of wing-back.

The setup has raised eyebrows, particularly as Celtic continue to struggle for defensive stability.

Stephen Welsh Ruled Out as Recall Option

Centre-half Stephen Welsh has impressed while on loan at high-flying Motherwell, but Celtic have already informed the Steelmen that the defender will not be recalled during the January window.

That decision appeared to close off one possible solution — until a new name was raised.

McAvennie Urges Celtic to Recall Nawrocki

According to Celtic legend Frank McAvennie, Nancy could solve his defensive headache by recalling a forgotten figure from the squad.

Former Poland youth international Maik Nawrocki was loaned out to German second-tier side Hannover 96 by Brendan Rodgers last summer after making just 18 appearances across two seasons at Parkhead.

Despite his limited game time, Nawrocki clearly made an impression.

Speaking on his Let Me Be Frank podcast, McAvennie said:

“You know what I think of Nawrocki. I would bring him back. I would bring him back and say, ‘Look, come back. Clean sheet.’

He played seven games in a row, and he was outstanding. He got Man of the Match four times. I just like him. He is no-nonsense. He reminds me of big Johan Mjallby.

He would just go, and when he won the ball, he could pass it. I just think he is a proper defender. It’s something we need.”

Mulgrew Backs Fresh Start Under Nancy

Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew also believes Nawrocki deserves another chance under the new manager.

Speaking on Go Radio, Mulgrew said:

“That’s a good shout (on Nawrocki returning to Celtic in January), him or (Stephen) Welsh. I totally forgot about Nawrocki. That’s not a bad shout.”

A Simple January Fix?

With Celtic short of defensive options and Nancy under mounting pressure, recalling Nawrocki could offer a straightforward solution — adding a natural centre-back to a system crying out for defensive balance.

Whether the Celtic boss acts on that advice in January could prove decisive in the weeks ahead, starting with a pivotal Old Firm showdown.