The guillotine blade gleaned white against the sun like freshly packed snow, waiting at the top of the cutting beam with an aura of hunger. A nondescript man stands next to the table, looking defiant against the inevitable. The controversial figure of the French Revolution had no small part to play in the Reign of Terror, but that reign would end the same as all things do. The blade fell in an oddly muted way like a scythe through tall grass. 229 years later MLS defenses are laying their heads down, but the blade is now Wilfried Nancy’s Columbus Crew attack. Come on - it’s been over two centuries. I think we can joke about the French Revolution.
Wilfried Nancy
Change is the only constant in life, yet some things remain steadfast amidst the chaos. For Wilfried Nancy, head coach of Columbus Crew, his commitment to building relationships with his players and cultivating the support of his family has remained a constant in a world that has changed around him.
Nancy's approach to coaching is grounded in the importance of personal connection, a philosophy that has helped him navigate the challenges of new places and demanding owners while staying true to his values. As a former player, Nancy understands firsthand the importance of trust, communication, and empathy, and he brings these qualities to his relationships with his players and family alike.
Over the years, Nancy's coaching style has undergone a metamorphosis, a transformative journey that has taken him from his early days as a player, through the development academy with Montreal, to his current position as head coach of Columbus Crew. Yet, despite this evolution on the tactics board, one thing remains steadfast: his unwavering commitment to building strong relationships. Whether he is guiding his players on the field or spending time with his family, Nancy brings the same level of intensity and empathy to all of his interactions.
Columbus have started the 2023 season with ferocity across the attacking line, scoring 17 goals in seven matches and currently sit 4th in the Eastern Conference table. Nancy’s track-record is now transcending the lackluster roster of Montreal where he led the team to second place in the East - almost the same squad that finished the 2021 season in 10th place under the leadership of Thierry Henry.
Nancy’s contract extension was automatically triggered as Montreal qualified for the 2022 playoffs, and Columbus was required to compensate Montreal for the privilege of his services. That payment looks to be a worthy investment as teams led by Wilfried Nancy contain a common thread born in the French Revolution that remains alive today in the French people. We can no longer ignore Nancy’s managerial talents whose results are accelerated by his ability to drive his teams forward with freedom, trust, and togetherness.
Liberté
Liberty is the wind that sweeps across the French countryside, rustling the leaves of the trees and lifting the spirits of the people. It is the feeling of freedom that comes from being able to express oneself without fear, to pursue one's dreams without hindrance, to live life to the fullest.
For the Crew it means being able to move without constraints, to run and dribble and shoot with abandon. It means being able to try new things, to take risks and make mistakes without fear of judgment. It means being able to play with joy, to revel in the beauty of the game and the sheer pleasure of being alive.
None of this can discount Nancy’s ability as a tactician. His teams are set up in a 3-4-3 meant to control possession through expressive wingbacks and versatile attackers. Nancy has also been able to get the most out of a midfield pairing of Aiden Morris and Darlington Nagbe that has so far dominated MLS statlines. The 21 year old defensive midfielder Morris is leading the league in four different tackling categories as well as top marks in switches made, pass completion %, and xG per shot.
Nancy is also making use of a pivot role that sits between center-back and fullback that is out-of-favor in the modern game. Most managers that employ a “pivot” in the midfield will instruct their central players to play just infront or in between the centerbacks like Berhalter preferred with Will Trapp, but Nancy has Aiden Morris and Darlington Nagbe occupying the spaces where you may normally find an inverted fullback. This wrinkle allows the wingbacks of Columbus to push higher up the field which in turn provides space for dangerous attackers like Lucas Zalarayan to roam.
And roam Zelarayan shall. Averaging almost two key passes a game and five shot creating actions per 90 while leading the league in successful take ons. The movement of Zelarayan is made possible because of the spaces that Morris and the leftback William Sands take up. Rest defenses have natural inclinations to stay in the middle of the pitch and not shift towards the sidelines. The different pivot structure of Morris’ movement unhinge the midfield’s defensive positioning.
Égalité
Equality is the flame that burns bright in the heart of the French people, illuminating the path towards a just and fair society. It is the knowledge that everyone, regardless of their background or station in life, has the same rights and opportunities to succeed. It is the recognition that each and every person is valuable and deserving of respect and dignity.
For Wilfriend Nancy’s teams it means creating an environment where players feel comfortable being themselves, free from discrimination or prejudice. Equality becomes the assurance that a player’s efforts and bravery will be recognized. It is the knowledge that they will be given the same opportunities to shine as their teammates, and that their success will be celebrated as part of the team's collective achievement.
Midfielder Samuel Piette, who played under Nancy at CF Montreal, spoke about the impact that Nancy had on the team in an interview with MLSsoccer.com. "He's a very humble guy, very passionate about the game," Piette said. "He's really able to connect with players, to understand them, to communicate with them. He's not just a coach, he's someone who's really invested in his players and in the team."
Similarly, forward Erik Hurtado, who also played under Nancy at CF Montreal, spoke about the positive impact that Nancy had on his career in an interview with The Athletic. "He’s been huge for me," Hurtado said. "He understands me as a player and as a person. He’s been able to help me find my strengths and put me in positions to be successful."
Wilfried Nancy is a man who understands the importance of family and support. As a coach, he has dedicated himself to building relationships with his players, but his commitment to his family is just as unwavering. Despite the demands of his coaching responsibilities, Nancy makes a conscious effort to stay connected with his family, valuing the time he gets to spend with them. His family, in turn, provides him with a sense of perspective and grounding, reminding him of what truly matters in life. For Nancy, building strong relationships with both his players and his family is not just a job, it’s what he does.
These relationships do have a purpose. Players feel trusted to hold the ball longer than usual, to set traps for the opposing defense. Nancy has been quoted as asking his team to tactically play chess, but bring a boxer’s mentality to the pitch. You’ll notice Columbus defenders will regularly bait the opponent’s press and look oddly comfortable in possession. In a way, the style resembles Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton as both teams look to provoke the opponent into opening space which can create a transition moment for their respective teams. This wouldn’t be possible without the grace Nancy provides his players to make mistakes. One player said Nancy only gets upset when he makes an “unnatural decision”.
Winning is only a product of Wilfried Nancy’s expected outcome - to bring joy to the club’s fans. “I came to Montreal with my backpack in 2005,” said Nancy. “I have my conviction and I try to transmit that to my players: to be brave, to be bold, to enjoy what we do, and to entertain, because this is our job: to entertain people.”
Fraternité
Fraternity is the river that flows through the heart of France, connecting its people to each other and to the world. It is the sense of community that comes from working together towards a common goal, the joy of sharing in each other's successes and supporting each other through difficult times. It is the understanding that we are all part of a larger family, and that our collective well-being is intimately linked to the well-being of others.
For the Columbus Crew Fraternity is about building strong relationships between teammates, coaches, and staff, and fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
Players who have played for Nancy describe him as a coach who is approachable, empathetic, and committed to helping them succeed. His ability to build strong relationships with his players has been a key factor in his success as a coach, and has helped him to earn the respect and admiration of his players, sporting directors and journalists.
During CF Montreal’s record breaking season with Nancy at the helm, many key figures around the club mentioned happiness as a reason for the incredible results. Happiness. You don’t hear that very often as a catalyst of victories for a football club. The Crew seem to be following the same formula. Joy is visible from the full squad, from goalscorers down to the bench.
“There’s no one bigger than the team,” former player Piette said of Nancy’s approach “When we concede, we don’t blame other players. In the past, players would turn.”
With designated players like Lucas Zelarayan and Cucho Hernandez leading the charge, it's no surprise that the Columbus Crew boast one of the most impressive rosters in the league. But it's not just the star players that make this team tick - it's the skilled midfielders like Darlington Nagbe and 21-year-old Aidan Morris who round out the squad and keep the momentum going.
Speaking to reporters after the Crew's decisive 4-0 win over Real Salt Lake, Morris perfectly captured the essence of Wilfred Nancy's playing style, known affectionately as "Nancy-ball."
"The coach has really drilled into us the importance of possession in the front half of the field," Morris explained. "When you have that, it makes it easier to read the game and know when to make those killer runs into the box. It's a collective effort, and that's what makes us such a force to be reckoned with."
Columbus Crew
Wilfried Nancy's Columbus Crew have proven that the unyielding tenets of the French people can still inspire the masses. The guillotine blade has been replaced by a relentless Crew attack led by a coach who understands the importance of personal connection, trust, and empathy. Nancy's unwavering commitment to building relationships has helped him to navigate the challenges of coaching while staying true to his values. He has created an environment where players feel comfortable being themselves, free from discrimination or prejudice, and where success is celebrated as part of the team's collective achievement.
As the Crew continue to climb the table with their possession-first style and impressive roster, Nancy's commitment to building strong relationships between teammates, coaches, and staff remains the heart of their success. And it's a success that brings joy not just to the team, but to the fans who support them. For Nancy, it's not just about winning, it's about entertaining people and bringing happiness to the club. That's the power of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité on the pitch.
Nice analysis as usual.