Nancy Stands Defiant After His Team's Home Defeat to City Rivals
Celtic boss 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 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth loss in eight games.
The French manager hailed 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 clear chances.
However, their Glasgow counterparts roared back in the second period, capitalising on the Celtic's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This outcome means Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift table-toppers Hearts depending on the evening 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 conceded three goals from set-pieces. It's tough to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about moments."
"This is not about me, 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."
"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 really believe we can turn things around."
He concluded by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Situation
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The gap 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 removed as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the issue: "The problems aren't 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 summed up: "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."
Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure
The full-time mood among supporters was one of frustration and demand for action.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, 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 style. These players are not bad 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 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 improvement. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.