Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy said he understood why his side were booed after their 3-0 home defeat to Roma but was not worried about the defeat, which ended their hopes of remaining in the Europa League.
Nancy became the first Celtic manager to lose their opening two games, but the Scottish champions were thrown into disarray in the first 45 minutes, with Evan Ferguson scoring twice and Ireland team-mate Liam Scales adding another early on with an own goal to go into half-time with a three-goal lead.
Supporters who watched their team lose at home to Premiership leaders Hearts on Sunday made their feelings clear at both half-time and full-time.
“I respect the fans. They are really important to us,” he told TNT Sports. “They are the key and they know it. We play for them, that’s clear.”
“They weren’t happy with the situation and they showed it. We know where we’re going. Right now, in terms of results, this is not what we want.”
But despite the demoralizing defeat, which left Celtic 24th in the table and only defending their play-off spots on goal difference, Nancy said he felt his players’ second-half performance was enough to encourage them going forward.
“The reality is we are not dealing with the intensity,” he added. “I really liked the second half. We reacted well. We played a little closer between the players to take the pressure off.
Evan Ferguson celebrates after scoring Roma’s second goal against Celtic in the Europa League
“I don’t like to talk about luck, but conceding the first goal didn’t help. It wasn’t easy to come back. Our attitude was good.”
“We were better in the second half, but it wasn’t good enough. I can’t say they didn’t try. They tried. They could have connected a little more, but they didn’t. I really like the reaction, so I’m not worried.”
“This is the most important thing. They deserve to score at least one goal and see if the dynamics change after that.
“I’ve already seen good things. The results weren’t what we wanted, but I’ve already seen good things.”
Celtic will take on St Mirren next Sunday in the crucial League Cup final at Hampden Park to secure their first silver medal of the season.
“I wish today would turn out differently,” Nancy said. “But the reality is that is not the case.
“This is a little difficult because I think the players deserve a little more in terms of scoring goals. But this is the reality. The idea is to rest and prepare for the final.”
“It wasn’t easy to prepare for the game, knowing at that point that we were the finalists and had a lot of games to play. But this is the reality. The belief of the players is really strong, and this is the most important thing to me.”
Heart: My heart is broken by the Celtic situation.
Former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart was far more pessimistic than Nancy after seeing his former team torn apart by Roma.
“I’m heartbroken because I know how special this night is,” Hart told TNT Sports. “We lost our fair share of European nights, but the intensity was always there.
“But the atmosphere isn’t there and the players don’t feel like they’re playing to the best of their ability.
“This place brings you magic and energy, but it’s not there right now.”
Hart blamed the club’s management for failing to build on its domestic dominance and urged them to do more to unite fans and the team.
“This is an intelligent club. It’s not just good football here,” Hart said. “The club has to deal with this issue. The support, the players and the management have to come together.
“I feel like a soap opera. Financially, I’m very stable and I’ve had a lot of success.
“Last season was a great season, but they didn’t address the issues and the gap widened.
“Football clubs that are united are very special. At the moment they are getting further and further apart.
“We need to understand more about what everyone’s end goal is. Everyone in the stadium wants Celtic to succeed and that can only happen if they come together.”
“It doesn’t have to be this way. It comes straight from the top. You can’t rest on your laurels. Football keeps moving.
“I’m really lucky to have been able to spend three years here. I don’t think Wilfried Nancy will know what that is at the moment.”
“Celtic lost completely”
Analysis from Celtic Park by Sky Sports News’ Adam Binney:
“Wilfried Nancy’s difficult start to his time as Celtic manager continues with two defeats in four days.
“His team were completely outclassed tonight. It was far from ideal preparation for Sunday’s Scottish League Cup final against St Mirren.”
