Wilfried Nancy Stands Resolute Following His Team's Derby Loss to City Rivals

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "in unison with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" in the face of a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth loss in their last eight outings.

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

However, their city rivals fought back after the break, exposing the home side's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome sees Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind table-toppers Hearts subject to the evening result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "The result 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 difficult to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about moments."

"This is not about myself, this is about disappointing the fans because I understand the significance 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 be improved. If it was not the case, I would not speak like this. I truly believe we can reverse our fortunes."

He concluded by stressing, "The manager and board 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 disconnect between the manager and the team is so obvious."

"It is not something that can continue and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who facilitated this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."

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 defensive qualities."

Former Rangers striker and coach Billy Dodds added: "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 concluded: "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."

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

The post-match mood among supporters was one of frustration and demand for change.

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 painfully obvious that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's system. These players are not bad 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 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 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.