MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 30: Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy arrives ahead of a William Hill Premiership match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park, on December 30, 2025, in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Captain Swing has provided Video Celts visitors with a very useful translation to Auston Trusty’s Sky Sports interview.
Almost un-noticed before Saturday’s Derby match the hoops defender delivered a very revealing insight into life under Wilfried Nancy.
Both Auston and Nancy have backgrounds in the MLS but the former Arsenal defender appears to be as in the dark about Nancy and his tactics as anyone else.
ALL CHANGE UNDER NANCY
Returned to favour under Martin O’Neill Trusty formed a sound defensive partnership with Liam Scales. That was instantly binned by Nancy.
Three at the back usually means three strong, committed central defenders. But not at Celtic under their French boss.
Trusty has been left isolated with two full-backs urged to push forward to join in the fun under Nancy.
It has made for painful viewing for Celtic fans.
Trusty was fairly diplomatic as he discussed the style of play under Celtic’s new boss.
Captain Swing supplied a handy translation.
This sums up where Celtic are at as a club at present
“ Players need to buy into it”
“We are still learning “
“It’s a work in progress “
There’s a league to win… too much sleeping at the wheel. And let’s get it right Celtic were poor under Brendan and fortunate under Martin… https://t.co/hGRryfWvVm— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) January 3, 2026
- “Players need to buy into it” TRANSLATION: ‘we really haven’t bought into this at all’
- “We are still learning” TRANSLATION: ‘we can’t understand what we’re being asked to do – or why’
- “It’s a work in progress” TRANSLATION: ‘we’re not even close to what this guy seems to want us to do’
Auston may have inadvertently given the game away. The bit about enjoying having to defend more in this system makes it sound like he’s talking about playing college soccer in Nebraska rather than trying to get back into a title race with Celtic. Nothing in that interview eases any of our concerns in the slightest.
Trusty seems to be one of the main playing victims as Nancy imposes his style on Celtic.
NANCY REMAINS
Central defenders are used to playing in partnerships. Occasionally there will be three central defenders used.
Under Nancy Celtic are playing with one. It is a stretch too far to claim that Tony Ralston and Kieran Tierney are central defenders.
Training resumes on Tuesday at Lennoxtown but there isn’t much focus on Saturday’s game at home to Dundee United.
Nancy continuing as manager is the biggest concern with the weekend passing without any serious suggestion that his job is under threat.
Should Celtic fans boycott the home match v Dundee United?
YES- We have reached that stage
NO- Faithful through and through
How come Trusty does not have a right foot …and why can’t this guy pass a ball 8 yards to a team mate’s feet in the middle of the park …multiple times ? Oh and for the trifecta , a defender is supposed to defend opposition attackers , not run away from players allowing them access to an easy goal ! I’m quite happy to have a substantial bet with Trusty ..that was not part of Nancy’s tactics or pre match set up !
Thank god Celtic seen sense and sacked Nancy. HH.
Indeed, indeed, indeed, indeed, indeed Lisbon67 !