Wilfried Nancy Remains Resolute Following Celtic's Derby Loss to Rangers
Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "we can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in their last eight outings.
The French manager praised an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities.
Yet, their Glasgow counterparts fought back after the break, capitalising on the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This result sees Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points adrift table-toppers Hearts depending on the evening result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we required more goals."
"In the second half, we conceded 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 moments."
"This is not about me, this is about disappointing 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 really believe we can turn things around."
He concluded by reiterating, "We are together with the board."
Pundits Deliver Stark Assessment on Celtic's Predicament
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The disconnect between the manager and the team is so obvious."
"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 absolute state."
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed 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 remarked: "As much as Rangers have done the right things in this second half, Celtic have been just woefully poor."
"Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to give, 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 don't do that."
Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change
The post-match sentiment among supporters was one of anger and calls for action.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like amateurs. Nancy has a single 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 style. 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 got the job 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 improvement. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.
