Nancy Stands 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 marks 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 spurned a number of clear chances.

Yet, their city rivals roared back in the second period, 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 draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind table-toppers Hearts subject to the later result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy stated, "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 set-pieces. It's difficult to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about key instances."

"This is not about me, 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."

"We are really close, there are many things that can be improved. If it was not the case, I would not speak like this. I truly believe we can turn things around."

He concluded by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."

Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal 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 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 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 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 movie before with Nancy's Celtic."

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

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

The post-match mood among the fanbase was one of frustration and calls for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, post half-time we looked like a pub team. 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 style. 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 got the job 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.