Nancy Remains Defiant After His Team's Home Defeat to City Rivals

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

The Frenchman hailed an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned 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 end up six points behind table-toppers Hearts subject to the later result.

Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "The result was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we required more goals."

"In the second half, we let in three goals from set-pieces. It's difficult to accept, but it's reality. 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 frustration, but I also saw what we're able to do."

"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 truly believe we can turn things around."

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

Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh take: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken 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 identified 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 right 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 concluded: "We've seen this story before with Nancy's Celtic."

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

Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure

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

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 refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.