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

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and expresses belief that "we can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which marks a sixth loss in their last eight outings.

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

However, their city rivals fought back in the second period, capitalising on the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome sees Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy stated, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we needed more goals."

"In the second half, we let in three goals from set-pieces. It's tough to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the individuals or the tactics, this is about moments."

"This is not about myself, this is about disappointing the fans because I know the significance of this game. I can appreciate the disappointment, but I also saw what we're able to do."

"I believe 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 really believe we can turn things around."

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

Analysts Give Stark Assessment on Celtic's Situation

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

"It is not something that can carry on and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who allowed this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the problem: "The problems aren't high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the organisation at the back and the ability to defend."

Former Rangers striker and coach Billy Dodds added: "As much as Rangers have done the right 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."

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

The post-match sentiment among the fanbase was one of anger and demand for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like a pub team. 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 hoping 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.