Wilfried Nancy Remains Defiant After 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 "the team can turn things around" despite a damaging 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in eight games.

The Frenchman praised an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities.

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 third strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome sees Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind 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 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 individuals or the tactics, this is about key instances."

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

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

Pundits Deliver Stark Assessment on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh take: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The gap 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 allowed this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the issue: "The problems aren't high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the shape at the back and the defensive qualities."

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 summed up: "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."

Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change

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

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, after the break 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 bad 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 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 refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.