The French coach of the Columbus Crew Wilfried Nancy said he was “proud but not happy” to have become the first successful black coach in the North American football championship (MLS) on Saturday.
Although several black coaches have already officiated in MLS, notably French soccer stars Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, Wilfried Nancy is currently the only one at the head of a franchise. And the first to win the title after the Columbus Crew’s victory over Los Angeles FC (2-1) in Ohio on Saturday.
“I’m very proud of that. Because it rewards a lot of work, and a lot of courage,” he replied when asked about this state of affairs. “But I’m not happy at the same time. Because it’s not normal. I’m proud to be a representative, to be the only black one. But I’m not happy about it. This is something that needs to change. I know MLS is trying. “It’s not just a problem in MLS.”
The North American championship has taken several initiatives to improve opportunities for black coaches, which Nancy welcomed.
Aged 46, this little-known technician, who spent his time as a player in the French lower divisions, has spent his entire coaching career in North America since 2005. After being Thierry Henry’s assistant in Montreal, he took the helm of the first team in 2021, then joins Columbus at the end of 2022.
“After the final whistle I was very moved, I thought about those things (his unusual journey). My family came here for this project, it’s a life project,” he added.
