Celtic skipper Callum McGregor has pointed to one small but meaningful positive from Wilfried Nancy’s brief and troubled spell in charge at Parkhead.
Supporters have been left searching for any bright spots after Nancy’s 33 days at the helm, a period widely viewed as a failure. McGregor, though, believes the experience revealed something important about the dressing room.
Speaking to Sky Sports for the first time since Nancy’s departure, the midfielder reflected on how the squad reacted during the difficult period.
“What stood out to me was how the players stuck together throughout it all,” McGregor said. “That gives me reassurance as captain, knowing the type of group we have when things get tough. The boys were supporting each other, working extremely hard and trying to turn the situation around.”
McGregor also touched on Nancy’s methods, suggesting the former boss attempted to implement too many changes too quickly.
Despite that, the Celtic captain was keen to highlight the unity within the squad.
“From the players’ side, the biggest takeaway is how close we are and how desperate everyone is to succeed for Celtic,” he added. “Everyone wants to win, and we are all pulling in the same direction.
“You spend more time with your teammates than with your own family, so those bonds become really strong. Everyone wants the club to do well and is fighting every day to improve.”
The 31-year-old stressed how important that sense of togetherness is during challenging spells.
“When things go wrong, you often see people start to look after themselves, but I didn’t see that here,” he explained. “The group stayed united and continued to push and fight for the club.
“Managers and coaches will come and go, but the group in that dressing room is what will drive success. That unity is the one clear positive I took from that period.”