Wilfried Nancy Remains Resolute After Celtic's Derby Loss to City Rivals

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "in unison with the board" and expresses belief that "we can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in eight games.

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

Yet, their city rivals fought back in the second period, exposing the Celtic's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result sees Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind table-toppers Hearts subject to the later result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy stated, "The result was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we required more goals."

"In the second half, we let in three goals from set-pieces. It's difficult to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the individuals or the tactics, this is about moments."

"This is not about myself, this is about letting down 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 talk like this. I really believe we can turn things around."

He concluded by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Stark Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Unworkable 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 continue 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 problem: "The problems aren't 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 added: "As much as Rangers have done the correct things in this second half, Celtic have been just brutally bad."

"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 don'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 action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, post half-time 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 system. These players are not bad 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 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 progress. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.

Jeremy King
Jeremy King

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