Nancy Stands Resolute After His Team's Derby Loss to Rangers

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

The Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of clear chances.

However, their city rivals fought back in the second period, exposing the home side's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result means Rangers draw 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 commented, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we required more goals."

"In the second half, we conceded three goals from set-pieces. It's difficult to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the players or the tactics, 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 understand the disappointment, but I also saw what we're capable 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 speak like this. I truly believe we can reverse our fortunes."

He concluded by stressing, "We are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated 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 occurred. The people on the board who facilitated this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the issue: "The problems aren't high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the shape 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 brutally bad."

"Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to give, 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."

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

The post-match sentiment among supporters was one of frustration and demand 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 painfully obvious that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's system. These players are not bad players all of a sudden. The answer is obvious.

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 lack 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 won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.