Nancy Remains Defiant After Celtic's Derby Loss to City Rivals
Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has declared 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 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in eight games.
The French manager hailed an "outstanding" 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 Glasgow counterparts fought back in the second period, capitalising on the Celtic's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.
This outcome sees Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind leaders Hearts subject to the later result.
Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "The result 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 difficult to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about moments."
"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I understand the significance 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 be improved. If it was not the case, I would not speak like this. I really believe we can reverse our fortunes."
He concluded by reiterating, "We are together with the board."
Analysts Give Blunt Assessment 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 obvious."
"It is not something that can carry on and it should not have happened. The people on the board who allowed this should be removed 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 defensive qualities."
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 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 Mounting Calls for His Departure
The post-match sentiment among supporters was one of frustration and calls for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like amateurs. Nancy has one way of playing and can't react. Get him out now!
Iain: It's very painfully obvious that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's style. These players are not poor players all of a sudden. The answer is obvious.
James: The board are completely 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 hoping 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.