Nancy Stands Resolute After Celtic's Derby Loss to Rangers

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "in unison with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in their last eight outings.

The French manager praised an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of clear chances.

Yet, their city rivals fought back after the break, exposing the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result sees Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind table-toppers Hearts subject to the later result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy stated, "It was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we needed more goals."

"In the second half, we conceded three goals from throw-ins. It's difficult to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the individuals or the game plan, this is about moments."

"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I know the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the disappointment, but I also saw what we're capable to do."

"We are really close, there are many things that can turn around. If it was not the case, I would not speak like this. I truly believe we can turn things around."

He finished by reiterating, "We are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh take: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The disconnect between the manager and the team is so stark."

"It is not something that can carry on and it should not have happened. The people on the board who allowed this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the problem: "The problems aren't high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the organisation at the back and the defensive qualities."

Former Rangers striker and coach Billy Dodds remarked: "As much as Rangers have done the correct things in this second half, Celtic have been just woefully poor."

"Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to change, there is no doubt."

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton summed up: "We've seen this movie before with Nancy's Celtic."

"You can score, but you've got to defend. This team doesn't do that."

Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for His Departure

The full-time mood among supporters was one of frustration and calls for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, after the break we looked like a pub team. Nancy has a single way of playing and can't react. Get him out now!

Iain: It's very clear for all to see that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's style. These players are not poor players all of a sudden. The answer is obvious.

James: The board are completely to blame. I feel sorry for Nancy as he should never got the job in the first place, but he'll be used as the fall guy. We don't have the players for his system.

Andy: Nancy has to go. I've been one of those wanting to give him a chance, but there is no improvement. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.