Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant Following His Team's Home Defeat to City Rivals

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

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

However, their Glasgow counterparts roared back after the break, exposing the home side's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome sees Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points adrift leaders Hearts depending on the later result.

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

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

"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I know 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 be improved. If it was not the case, I would not talk like this. I really believe we can turn things around."

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

Pundits Deliver Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh analysis: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The gap 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 facilitated this should be shown the door 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 defensive qualities."

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 woefully poor."

"Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to change, 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 Growing Calls for Change

The full-time sentiment among supporters was one of anger and demand for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time we looked like a pub team. Nancy has a single 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 poor players all of a sudden. The answer is obvious.

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 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.