Wilfried Nancy Stands Resolute After His Team's Derby Loss to City Rivals

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "in unison with the board" and expresses belief that "we can turn things around" despite a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in eight games.

The French manager praised an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned several other clear chances.

However, their city rivals roared back in the second period, 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 draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind leaders Hearts subject to the evening result.

Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "The result was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we required more goals."

"In the second half, we let in three goals from throw-ins. It's tough to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the individuals or the game plan, this is about key instances."

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

"I believe we are really close, there are many things that can turn around. If it was not the case, I would not talk like this. I really believe we can reverse our fortunes."

He finished by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Situation

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

"It is not something that can continue and it should not have occurred. 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 are not 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 right things in this second half, Celtic have been just woefully poor."

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

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton concluded: "We've seen this story before with Nancy's Celtic."

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

Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change

The post-match sentiment among supporters was one of frustration and calls for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, post half-time 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 painfully obvious that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's style. These players are not poor players all of a sudden. The answer is self-explanatory.

James: The board are wholly 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 scapegoat. 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 progress. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.