Wilfried Nancy Remains Defiant Following His Team's Derby Loss to City Rivals
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "in unison with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which marks a sixth defeat in eight games.
The French manager praised an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities.
However, their city rivals fought back after the break, exposing the Celtic's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.
This outcome sees Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift table-toppers Hearts subject to the later result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we required more goals."
"In the second half, we let in three goals from set-pieces. It's tough to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about key instances."
"This is not about myself, this is about disappointing the fans because I know the significance of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, 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 reverse our fortunes."
He concluded by reiterating, "We are together with the board."
Analysts Give Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Situation
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh analysis: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The disconnect 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 identified the issue: "The problems are not 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 right 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: Understanding for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure
The full-time mood among supporters was one of anger and demand for change.
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 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 self-explanatory.
James: The board are wholly 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 scapegoat. We don't have 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.