Wilfried Nancy Stands Resolute Following His Team's Derby Loss to Rangers
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "in unison with the board" and expresses belief that "the team can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth loss in their last eight outings.
The Frenchman praised an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned a number of clear chances.
However, their city rivals roared 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 outcome sees Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind leaders Hearts subject to the later result.
Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "It 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 difficult to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the individuals or the tactics, this is about moments."
"This is not about myself, 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 able 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 finished by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Pundits Deliver Blunt 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 stark."
"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 absolute state."
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed 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 correct 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 movie before with Nancy's Celtic."
"You can score, but you've got to defend. This team don't do that."
Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change
The full-time mood among supporters was one of frustration and calls for change.
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 clear for all to see that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's style. These players are not poor players all of a sudden. The answer is self-explanatory.
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 don't have 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 progress. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.