Nancy Remains Resolute After His Team's Derby Loss to City Rivals
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and expresses belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in eight games.
The Frenchman hailed an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned a number of opportunities.
Yet, their Glasgow counterparts fought back after the break, exposing the Celtic's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This result sees Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.
Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "The result was disappointing because we merited a better outcome 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 the situation. This is not about the individuals 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 disappointment, but I also saw what we're capable 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 truly believe we can reverse our fortunes."
He finished by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Pundits Deliver Stark Verdict on Celtic's Predicament
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated 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 removed as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."
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 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 collapsed. 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 don't do that."
Supporters' Views: Understanding for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure
The post-match sentiment among supporters was one of anger and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time we looked like a pub team. Nancy has one 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 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 fall guy. 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.