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

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted 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 marks a sixth defeat in their last eight outings.

The French manager praised an "exceptional" 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 after the break, capitalising on the home side'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 find themselves six points behind table-toppers Hearts subject to the later result.

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

"In the second half, we let in three goals from throw-ins. It's difficult to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about key instances."

"This is not about myself, this is about disappointing the fans because I know the meaning of this game. I can understand the disappointment, but I also saw what we're able 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, "We are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Stark 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 happened. The people on the board who facilitated this should be shown the door 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 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 don't do that."

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

The post-match sentiment among supporters was one of anger and calls for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time we looked like amateurs. Nancy has a single 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 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 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 mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.