Wilfried Nancy, the head coach of Celtic, expressed confidence that his players “deserve” triumph in the upcoming Scottish League Cup final against St Mirren. This comes after a challenging start, marked by back-to-back losses against Hearts in the Premiership and Roma in the Europa League. Since being appointed as the permanent successor to Brendan Rodgers, Nancy has faced criticism, particularly for altering the team’s formation.
Celtic’s Recent Challenges
Celtic’s last two matches resulted in disappointment, and Nancy acknowledges the mental toll it has taken on the team. He stated, “The fact that we didn’t win the last two games, mentally we can have a bit of uncertainty.” However, following a candid discussion with the players after their defeat to Roma, Nancy believes the focus is shifting back to preparing for the final.
Preparing for the Final
The coach emphasized his desire to rotate the squad but realizes the need to maintain consistency with player selections. Nancy stated, “I will put the team that I think is the best to have a good performance against this team.” His strategy will involve fielding a competitive lineup to maximize chances of victory against St Mirren.
St Mirren’s Perspective
St Mirren, the defending League Cup champions, last secured the trophy in 2013. Manager Stephen Robinson has urged his squad to approach the final with “faith over fear.” He understands the emotional weight of the match, which is crucial for both teams.
Game Day Expectations
As the two teams prepare to clash at Hampden Park, Nancy remarked, “Play with emotion, but also balance with emotion.” He anticipates a hard-fought contest that could hinge on each team’s ability to handle the pressure of a final.
Conclusion
With both teams eager to claim victory, the Scottish League Cup final promises to be an emotionally charged encounter. Nancy’s confidence in his squad and Robinson’s motivation for St Mirren set the stage for an exciting match. Fans can expect a thrilling showdown as Celtic aims to secure a much-deserved win.
