Wilfried Nancy Remains Defiant After His Team's Derby Loss to Rangers

Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "we can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in their last eight outings.

The French manager hailed an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities.

Yet, their city rivals fought back after the break, capitalising on the home side's fragile defence with a double brace 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 behind table-toppers Hearts subject to 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 let in three goals from throw-ins. 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 me, this is about disappointing 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 truly believe we can turn things around."

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

Analysts Give Stark Verdict on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Untenable 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 shown the door as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the problem: "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 added: "As much as Rangers have done the correct things in this second half, Celtic have been just woefully poor."

"Celtic have just capitulated. 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 doesn't do that."

Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change

The post-match mood among supporters 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 adapt. 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 obvious.

James: The board are wholly to blame. I feel sorry for Nancy as he should never been appointed in the first place, but he'll be used as the scapegoat. 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 improvement. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.