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

Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "in unison with the board" and expresses belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth loss in eight games.

The French manager praised an "exceptional" first-half display from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other clear chances.

However, their city rivals fought back in the second period, capitalising on the Celtic's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.

This result means Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points adrift table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.

Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "The result 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 tough to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about moments."

"This is not about me, this is about disappointing 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."

"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 truly believe we can turn things around."

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

Analysts Give Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken 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 occurred. The people on the board who allowed this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the issue: "The problems aren't 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 added: "As much as Rangers have done the right things in this second half, Celtic have been just brutally bad."

"Celtic have just capitulated. 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 don't do that."

Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure

The full-time sentiment among supporters was one of anger 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 adapt. Get him out now!

Iain: It's very painfully obvious 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 scapegoat. 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 progress. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.