Nancy Stands Defiant Following Celtic's Derby Loss to City Rivals

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in eight games.

The Frenchman hailed an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned several other clear chances.

Yet, their city rivals roared back in the second period, exposing the Celtic's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result means Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points adrift table-toppers Hearts subject to the evening result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we needed more goals."

"In the second half, we let in three goals from throw-ins. It's tough to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about moments."

"This is not about me, this is about disappointing the fans because I know the meaning of this game. I can understand the disappointment, 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 really believe we can turn things around."

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

Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

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 carry on and it should not have happened. 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 problem: "The problems aren't 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 remarked: "As much as Rangers have done the right things in this second half, Celtic have been just brutally bad."

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

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

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

Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure

The post-match sentiment among supporters was one of anger and demand for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, 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 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 refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.