“TRANSFER WINDOW PRESSURE MOUNTS AS PAT BONNER PINPOINTS TWO POSITIONS NANCY MUST UPGRADE”

Pat Bonner believes Celtic’s latest victory may have eased the pressure on Wilfried Nancy, but the former Hoops goalkeeper is convinced the Frenchman already has his eye on two key areas of the pitch that must be strengthened when the January transfer window opens.

Nancy finally tasted victory as Celtic manager at the fifth attempt, guiding the Hoops to an impressive 3–1 win over Aberdeen at Parkhead. After a frustrating start to his tenure, the result felt significant, not just for the league table but for the mood around the club. There was renewed energy in the stands, a sharper edge on the pitch and visible relief on the touchline as Celtic produced one of their most convincing displays of the season.

From the opening stages, Celtic looked determined to impose themselves. The tempo was higher, the pressing more aggressive and the movement in midfield far more fluid than in previous outings. Aberdeen’s task became even more difficult when they were reduced to 10 men before the hour mark, but even before that turning point, the Hoops appeared in control. Nancy’s side dominated possession, forced mistakes and repeatedly asked questions of the Dons’ defence.

The Frenchman was visibly animated throughout the contest, urging his players forward and applauding their willingness to play out from the back. After the final whistle, Nancy spoke warmly about his squad’s response, praising their attitude, intensity and belief in his ideas. For a manager still finding his feet in Glasgow, the performance felt like a breakthrough moment.

However, as Bonner was quick to point out, one strong result does not mean the rebuilding job is complete. While the win over Aberdeen was a welcome boost, it also highlighted areas where Celtic can still improve if they are to be consistent challengers in the months ahead.

According to Bonner, one of those areas lies in the defensive unit, particularly in the wide positions. Modern systems like Nancy’s place heavy demands on full-backs, asking them to defend one-on-one, support attacks and recover quickly during transitions. Celtic have shown flashes of quality in these areas, but inconsistency and lapses in concentration have been costly at times. Bonner believes adding more depth and competition here could bring greater balance and reliability to the team.

The second area Bonner feels Nancy will address is in attack. Although Celtic found the net three times against Aberdeen, their overall season has been marked by missed chances and a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal. Too often, promising passages of play have not been rewarded, leaving matches finely balanced when they should have been put to bed. A proven forward, or at least another attacking option with composure and movement, could make a significant difference.

Nancy will take encouragement from the way his side controlled the Aberdeen match. The midfield looked more cohesive, linking defence and attack with greater purpose, while the pressing game disrupted the visitors’ rhythm. The performance suggested the players are beginning to understand and buy into what the manager is trying to implement.

Yet the Celtic boss knows the real challenge is consistency. In Glasgow, expectations are relentless, and supporters will want to see this level of performance repeated week after week. The Aberdeen result has bought Nancy some breathing space, but it has also raised hopes that better days lie ahead.

January now looms large. The transfer window represents an opportunity for Nancy to shape the squad more closely to his philosophy and address the weaknesses highlighted by Bonner. Smart recruitment could not only strengthen Celtic on the pitch but also accelerate the manager’s project and restore belief among the fanbase.

For now, the focus remains on building momentum. The victory over Aberdeen has reignited optimism and reminded everyone of Celtic’s potential when things click. If Nancy can back it up with further positive results and the right additions in January, this could be the moment his Celtic reign truly begins.