Wilfried Nancy Stands Resolute After Celtic's Derby Loss to Rangers

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and expresses belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in their last eight outings.

The French manager hailed an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other clear chances.

Yet, their city rivals fought back after the break, exposing the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result sees Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind leaders Hearts subject to the evening result.

Addressing the media, 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 tough to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about key instances."

"This is not about me, this is about disappointing the fans because I know the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, but I also saw what we're capable to do."

"I believe 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 truly believe we can reverse our fortunes."

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

Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Situation

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 stark."

"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 complete disarray."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the issue: "The problems are not high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the shape 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 capitulated. 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 doesn't do that."

Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change

The post-match mood among the fanbase was one of anger and calls for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, after the break we looked like amateurs. Nancy has a single 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 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 scapegoat. We lack 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 mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.