Nancy Stands Defiant After His Team's Home Defeat 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" in the face of a damaging 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in their last eight outings.
The French manager hailed an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of opportunities.
Yet, their Glasgow counterparts roared back after the break, exposing the Celtic's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This result means Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind leaders 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 needed more goals."
"In the second half, we conceded three goals from throw-ins. It's difficult to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about moments."
"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I know the meaning 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 reverse our fortunes."
He concluded by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Analysts Give Stark Assessment on Celtic's Situation
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Unworkable 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 facilitated this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the issue: "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 added: "As much as Rangers have done the correct things in this second half, Celtic have been just woefully poor."
"Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to give, 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: Understanding for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure
The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of anger and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, post half-time we looked like amateurs. Nancy has a single way of playing and can't react. 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 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 wanting 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 poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.