Only 24 hours after Wilfried Nancy’s first match as Celtic manager ended in a bruising 2–1 defeat to Hearts, a remarkable twist unfolded on the continent, one involving a coach who had been loosely linked with the Parkhead vacancy only weeks ago.
Nicky Hayen, the Club Brugge boss whose name briefly surfaced in speculation before Celtic appointed Nancy, has been sacked by Brugge, despite boasting one of the strongest managerial records in Belgian football over the past two years.
Hayen’s departure arrives at a curious moment. Celtic supporters will remember the Belgian chiefly for two things: reports suggesting he was admired by some at the club (though, as CeltsAreHere reported, he never held talks with Celtic), and his team’s recent competitive clashes with both halves of Glasgow.
His Brugge side frustrated Celtic in Europe in late 2024, and more recently destroyed Rangers 9–1 on aggregate in the recent Champions League qualifiers. That emphatic dismantling only enhanced his growing reputation.
And yet, despite a league title, a Belgian Cup, a Supercup, and a win percentage brushing 60%, Hayen now finds himself out of work. Brugge announced the decision in a sharp, clinical statement — one that raises eyebrows given the timing and his track record.
For context, Hayen’s Brugge had suffered a dip: four defeats in six and back-to-back league losses. But sackings of this magnitude, and at this moment in the season, suggest internal tensions or a loss of faith far deeper than form alone.
Below is the full statement released by Club Brugge.
“Hayen (45) had been at Club since 2022. He will be replaced as head coach by Ivan Leko.
“Nicky Hayen (45) joined Club from Haverfordwest (Wales) in the Summer of 2022, taking on the Club NXT managerial job. In March of 2024, he took over the seniors, claiming the title in his debut year after a spectacular run in the Play-Offs. Last season, he led Club towards the Belgian Cup and the Supercup.
“Taking over from Hayen will be Ivan Leko (47). A former Club Brugge player, Leko has already been coach at Club from 2017 until 2019. In two seasons, he won the title and the Supercup. He also helped Antwerp to a Belgian Cup in the following season, and Hajduk Split to the Croatian Cup later on. Leko will be joining us from KAA Gent.
“Club would like to hereby thank Nicky Hayen for all the hard work he put in in the past time, and wishes him all the best for the future.”
ℹ️ Club neemt afscheid van Nicky Hayen als hoofdcoach. Ivan Leko vervangt hem als hoofdcoach van Blauw-Zwart.
Club wil Nicky van harte bedanken voor zijn harde werk de afgelopen periode en wenst hem het allerbeste in de toekomst. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/q0thlsyzkt
— Club Brugge KV (@ClubBrugge) December 8, 2025
Hayen’s exit inevitably raises the question: was he ever a realistic candidate for Celtic before Nancy was appointed? The answer remains no.
Despite social media noise and speculative punditry, Celtic never held talks with Hayen, and the club’s shortlist had already narrowed by the time his name entered the rumour mill.
His style, intense pressing, structural discipline, and an ability to rebuild squads, may have appealed theoretically, but the club’s recruitment strategy was far more focused and targeted.
Still, the timing is striking. Within a week, Celtic appointed Nancy, suffered a setback in his debut, and now a coach once faintly associated with the job becomes unexpectedly available.
Supporters will naturally draw comparisons, but Hayen’s availability changes nothing at Parkhead. Nancy is the man the club wanted, the man they backed, and the man they must now support through early turbulence.
For the wider Scottish context, Hayen’s departure removes a coach who has recently been very relevant to Glasgow football.
His tactical imprint was felt last season when Club Brugge came to Celtic Park and left with a result, and Rangers fans won’t forget his side humiliating them in August.
As for Nancy, he now faces a crucial week with Roma and a cup final looming. Nothing about Brugge’s managerial chaos alters the reality Celtic must confront domestically and in Europe: performances must sharpen, and results must follow quickly.
Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Heart of Midlothian – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 7, 2025 Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy reacts REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Hayen, meanwhile, suddenly enters the managerial market with a résumé that remains impressive despite his abrupt dismissal. He will be linked with jobs, that is inevitable.
But whatever happens next, one thing is clear: Celtic were never in that conversation, and Wilfried Nancy’s task at Parkhead continues without any shadow cast by the Belgian’s unexpected availability.
