Wilfried Nancy Remains Defiant After His Team's Derby Loss to Rangers

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks 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 spurned a number of opportunities.

Yet, their Glasgow counterparts fought back after the break, exposing the Celtic's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result sees Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points adrift leaders Hearts depending on the later result.

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

"In the second half, we let in three goals from set-pieces. It's tough to accept, but it's the situation. 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 understand the meaning of this game. I can understand the frustration, but I also saw what we're able 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 concluded by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Stark Verdict on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh analysis: "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 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 issue: "The problems are not high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the organisation at the back and the ability to defend."

Former Rangers striker and coach Billy Dodds added: "As much as Rangers have done the right things in this second half, Celtic have been just brutally bad."

"Celtic have just capitulated. Something has to give, 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 post-match sentiment among supporters was one of anger and calls for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time we looked like amateurs. Nancy has a single way of playing and can't adapt. Get him out now!

Iain: It's very painfully obvious that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's style. These players are not bad 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 been appointed 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 progress. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.