Nancy Remains Defiant After His Team's Derby Loss to Rangers

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

The French manager praised 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.

However, their Glasgow counterparts fought back in the second period, capitalising on the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

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

Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "The result was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we required more goals."

"In the second half, we conceded three goals from throw-ins. It's difficult to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about moments."

"This is not about myself, this is about letting down the fans because I understand the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the disappointment, but I also saw what we're capable to do."

"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 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 take: "Unworkable 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 facilitated this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the problem: "The problems aren't 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 movie 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 Mounting Calls for His Departure

The post-match sentiment among the fanbase was one of anger and demand for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like a pub team. Nancy has one way of playing and can't adapt. Get him out now!

Iain: It's very clear for all to see 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 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 fall guy. 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 poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.