Wilfried Nancy Remains Defiant Following His Team's Derby Loss to City Rivals

Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "we can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in eight games.

The French manager praised an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned several other clear chances.

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 second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.

Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we deserved more 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 the situation. 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 know the meaning of this game. I can appreciate 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 speak like this. I really believe we can turn things around."

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

Pundits Deliver Stark Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh analysis: "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 occurred. 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 identified 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 woefully poor."

"Celtic have just capitulated. Something has to give, there is no doubt."

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton summed up: "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."

Supporters' Views: Understanding for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change

The post-match mood among the fanbase was one of anger and demand for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time 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 been appointed 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 improvement. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.