Nancy Stands Defiant Following Celtic's Derby Loss to Rangers

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

The French manager hailed an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned several other opportunities.

Yet, their city rivals fought back in the second period, capitalising on the home side's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome means Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the evening 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 conceded three goals from set-pieces. It's tough to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about key instances."

"This is not about me, this is about disappointing the fans because I understand the significance of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, but I also saw what we're able 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 turn things around."

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

Pundits Deliver Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh analysis: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The disconnect between the manager and the team is so stark."

"It is not something that can continue and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who allowed 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 correct things in this second half, Celtic have been just brutally bad."

"Celtic have just capitulated. Something has to change, there is no doubt."

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton concluded: "We've seen this movie before with Nancy's Celtic."

"You can score, but you've got to defend. This team doesn't do that."

Fan Reaction: Understanding for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change

The full-time sentiment among the fanbase was one of anger and calls for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, 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 painfully obvious that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's style. 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 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 refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.