Nancy Stands Defiant Following Celtic's Home Defeat to City Rivals

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

The French manager hailed an "exceptional" first-half display from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned a number of opportunities.

However, their city rivals roared back in the second period, capitalising on the home side's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome sees Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift leaders Hearts subject to the later result.

Speaking post-match, 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 throw-ins. 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 me, this is about letting down the fans because I know the meaning of this game. I can understand the frustration, 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 talk 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 Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Unworkable 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 complete disarray."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified 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 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 don't do that."

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

The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of frustration and demand for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, post half-time we looked like a pub team. Nancy has one 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 system. 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 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 hoping 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 poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.