Why Wilfried Nancy Took the Shock Decision to Replace Tierney and Maeda Against Motherwell

Wilfried Nancy is facing intense scrutiny at Celtic as pressure continues to mount following another damaging defeat.

The Hoops boss is now overseeing a deeply worrying run of form, having suffered five losses in his last seven matches. That sequence has significantly increased the volume of criticism surrounding Nancy’s position, with many supporters beginning to openly question whether he is the right man to take the club forward.

Celtic’s latest setback came away at Motherwell, a performance that did little to ease tensions. The defeat was met with anger and frustration among the fanbase, who were left disillusioned not only by the result but also by the manner of the display. Celtic struggled to impose themselves on the game, looked short of ideas in the final third, and rarely appeared capable of mounting a sustained comeback.

However, the decision that caused the greatest sense of disbelief among supporters came at half-time. Trailing 1-0 and in desperate need of a spark, Nancy opted to withdraw Kieran Tierney and Daizen Maeda—two of Celtic’s most influential and dynamic players. When the team emerged for the second half without either man, confusion quickly turned into outrage.

Tierney and Maeda are widely regarded as key figures on both sides of the ball. Tierney provides leadership, defensive solidity and attacking thrust from the back, while Maeda’s pace, pressing and directness make him one of Celtic’s most dangerous attacking outlets. Removing both players at the same time, particularly while chasing the game, felt counterintuitive to many watching.

Nancy later moved to explain his thinking, revealing that the substitutions were pre-planned and driven by concerns over player welfare. Speaking after the match, he admitted that injury risk played a major role in the decision to limit their involvement.

According to the Celtic manager, both players had been logging heavy minutes and were showing signs of physical fatigue. Nancy explained that he initially considered leaving them out of the match entirely but ultimately decided to involve them for one half due to their importance to the team.

He stated that Tierney and Maeda had been covering a huge amount of ground since his arrival, registering more sprints than any other players in the squad. That workload, he said, raised concerns about the possibility of muscle injuries if they were pushed too far.

“I didn’t want them to get injured,” Nancy explained, adding that managing their physical condition meant making difficult decisions. From his perspective, the substitutions were about protecting two vital players rather than weakening the team.

While the reasoning may sound logical on paper, it has done little to convince a sceptical support. Many fans and pundits believe the decision completely undermined Celtic’s chances of getting back into the match. Protecting players is one thing, but doing so while already losing raised serious questions about game management and priorities.

There is a sense that Nancy was already looking ahead to the upcoming clash with Rangers, a match that could prove pivotal for his future. With that in mind, resting Tierney and Maeda may have been seen as a way to ensure they were fully fit for the Old Firm encounter.

However, critics argue that such thinking is fundamentally flawed. When a team is losing the game directly in front of them, future fixtures should not take precedence. Failing to address the immediate problem only increases pressure and magnifies the consequences of defeat.

Had Celtic been level or leading, the logic of preserving key players might have been easier to accept. But removing attacking threat and leadership while trailing made the task even more difficult for those left on the pitch. Unsurprisingly, Celtic failed to find a way back into the contest.

The decision has also opened Nancy up to a broader critique of his in-game management. Supporters are beginning to feel that his choices lack the pragmatism and ruthlessness required at a club with Celtic’s expectations. Rotation and squad management are important, but results remain the ultimate currency.

There is also the uncomfortable reality that if Nancy does start Tierney and Maeda against Rangers and still fails to get a result, his reasoning for protecting them against Motherwell will look even more questionable. Sacrificing points now for the possibility of a stronger showing later only works if that future payoff actually materialises.

As things stand, Celtic fans are struggling to see a clear plan or consistent logic behind recent decisions. Confidence in the manager is ebbing away with each setback, and moments like the Motherwell substitutions only fuel the growing belief that his position is becoming increasingly untenable.

With pressure building from all sides, Nancy faces a defining period. Results must improve quickly, but so too must decision-making. At a club where winning is non-negotiable, explanations alone will not be enough to calm the storm.

‘i’ve heard good things about him’ – ibrox expert impressed by rangers’ latest appointment

Rangers’ recruitment strategy could soon take on a distinctly Scandinavian flavour following the club’s latest behind-the-scenes appointment, according to a respected football executive.

Former Aberdeen, Aston Villa and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has spoken positively about Rangers’ decision to bring in Stig Inge Bjornebye as a football consultant, suggesting the move could open up valuable new transfer opportunities ahead of the January window. Wyness shared his views in an exclusive interview with Football Insider after it was confirmed that Bjornebye will join the Ibrox club on an initial six-month consultancy basis.

The appointment comes at a time of significant upheaval at Rangers. Both chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell have been dismissed, leaving manager Danny Rohl with increased influence over recruitment and squad planning during a crucial period of the season. With January approaching, Rohl is expected to play a central role in identifying and securing reinforcements, particularly after a summer transfer window that failed to deliver the desired results under former boss Russell Martin.

Wyness believes Bjornebye’s arrival is a timely and intelligent move, especially given his experience and connections in Scandinavian football. The former Norway international has previously worked with clubs such as Rosenborg and Aarhus, building a strong network across the region. According to Wyness, that expertise could be instrumental in helping Rangers uncover value in markets that are often overlooked by Scottish clubs.

Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained that Bjornebye’s short-term role is likely focused squarely on the January window. He suggested the consultant’s main task will be to assist Rohl by identifying potential signings outside the traditional English and southern European markets.

Wyness noted that Scandinavia, in particular, represents a smart area for Rangers to explore. He argued that clubs in the region tend to produce players who are physically robust, tactically disciplined and well-suited to the demands of Scottish football. Crucially, he also pointed out that transfer fees and wage demands are often more reasonable compared to those in England or Spain.

According to Wyness, Scottish football has a long history of successful Scandinavian imports, yet the market has been somewhat neglected in recent years. He believes Rangers could benefit greatly from revisiting that pathway, especially as they look to rebuild their squad in a cost-effective and sustainable way.

Wyness also suggested that recent recruitment missteps could help supporters understand the logic behind this new approach. He referenced Chermiti as an example of a player who has struggled to adapt at Rangers, contrasting that situation with the consistent quality often found among Scandinavian prospects. In his view, fans would be far more receptive to signings from a region that has repeatedly proven its compatibility with the Scottish game.

The former Aberdeen chief also feels that Danny Rohl’s coaching style makes him well suited to working with players from Scandinavian and Germanic football backgrounds. He believes these players tend to respond well to structured systems and tactical clarity, qualities that Rohl values highly. As a result, Wyness expects the partnership between Rohl and Bjornebye to provide a clear recruitment direction and help shape the squad more effectively in the coming months.

Wyness added that he has heard positive feedback about Bjornebye’s work and reputation within football circles, describing him as well connected and knowledgeable. He believes those connections will allow Rangers to move quickly and decisively in the transfer market, potentially securing players before competition from wealthier clubs emerges.

While Bjornebye’s influence may be felt across several positions, midfield appears to be an immediate area of focus for Rangers. The club has been linked with Saint-Etienne midfielder Pierre Ekwah, a player who previously spent time at Sunderland. The 23-year-old was already on Rangers’ radar during the summer, and interest has reportedly been renewed ahead of January.

Ekwah’s situation in France could make him an attainable target. Following Saint-Etienne’s relegation to Ligue 2, the midfielder has refused to feature for the club, increasing the likelihood of a transfer. Rangers could view him as a timely addition, particularly with uncertainty surrounding the future of Nico Raskin.

Raskin, 24, has been linked with a potential move away from Ibrox, with Premier League clubs believed to be monitoring his situation. Should he depart, Rangers would need a reliable replacement capable of operating at a similar level, and Ekwah is seen as a strong candidate to fill that role.

As Rangers prepare for a pivotal January window, the appointment of Bjornebye signals a possible shift in strategy, with greater emphasis on smart recruitment and untapped markets. If Wyness’ assessment proves accurate, supporters could soon see a new wave of Scandinavian talent arriving at Ibrox, offering both value for money and long-term potential as the club looks to rebuild and compete on multiple fronts.