Wilfried Nancy Stands Resolute Following 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" in the face of a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth defeat in eight games.

The Frenchman praised an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of clear chances.

However, their Glasgow counterparts roared back in the second period, capitalising on the home side's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.

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

Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we merited a better outcome 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 the situation. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about moments."

"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I understand the significance of this game. I can understand the frustration, but I also saw what we're able 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, "The manager and board are together with the board."

Analysts Give Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh analysis: "Unworkable 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 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 complete disarray."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the problem: "The problems are not 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 collapsed. Something has to give, there is no doubt."

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton concluded: "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: Understanding for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change

The post-match mood among the fanbase was one of frustration and demand 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 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 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 mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.