It looks like Wilfried Nancy has emerged as the favourite for the vacant Celtic job over the last few days. Now, this piece of news has divided the opinion of the supporters. While the French manager has enjoyed success in the MLS, he is completely unproven in European football. On the other hand, there seems to be others like Kjetil Knutsen, who seems within reach and has a much better resume.
Admittedly, Knutsen has enjoyed success in both Norway, winning four league titles, and in European competitions, taking Bodo/Glimt to the Europa League semi-finals last season. But that does not mean that one should completely overlook the credentials of someone like Nancy.
In fact, the more we hear and read about Nancy, the more intriguing the potential appointment gets. And now, there is an MLS expert waxing lyrical about the Columbus Crew manager.
As reported BBC, Herculez Gomez said when talking about Nancy:
"He has an idea of how he wants to play, it's very brave, it's very nuanced.
"It's very New Age, modern football, if you will, but in a crazy, mad scientist way. That's who he's been from day one, and it's really gone well."
Celtic fans will love MLS expert's Wilfried Nancy claim
Straight off the bat, that will remind many of a certain Ange Postecoglou. And the similarities only become more evident in Gomez's following comments, as the former United States international striker said:
"You're going to get a coach who has an identity and a way of playing that fans relate to, that fans feel proud of.
"You're getting a coach who knows what he's doing, you're getting a coach who wants to express himself on the field and you're getting a winner.
"That's what Wilfried Nancy has been in his very short, meteoric rise. He's a winner."
That's exactly what Celtic fans would want in place as well. A winner is the first thing that a manager at Parkhead needs to be. The pressure is to deliver a result every time you take to the pitch. And many wilt under that spotlight.
Nancy has done his fair share of winning in the MLS. But that does not mean that it will translate to the Scottish game. Even those who succeed in other European leagues might fail in the fishbowl that is football in Glasgow. Just ask Philippe Clement.
It is safe to say that there would be a fair bit of risk involved with appointing Nancy. If you ask us, Knutsen would be the much safer choice, and most probably the better one as well. That being said, there is a chance that the Frenchman could prove his doubters wrong, just like an Australian did some years back.