Wilfried Nancy Remains Defiant Following His Team's Home Defeat to City Rivals
Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "in unison with the board" and expresses belief that "we can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 loss 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 several other clear chances.
Yet, their city rivals fought back in the second period, exposing the Celtic's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.
This outcome sees Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind leaders Hearts depending on the later result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we needed more goals."
"In the second half, we let in three goals from set-pieces. 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 me, this is about letting down the fans because I understand the significance of this game. I can understand the disappointment, but I also saw what we're able to do."
"We are really close, there are many things that can be improved. If it was not the case, I would not talk like this. I truly believe we can turn things around."
He concluded by reiterating, "We are together with the board."
Analysts Give Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Predicament
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The disconnect 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 identified the issue: "The problems aren't 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 summed up: "We've seen this movie 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 Growing Calls for His Departure
The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of anger and calls for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like a pub team. Nancy has one way of playing and can't react. Get him out now!
Iain: It's very clear for all to see 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 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 wanting 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 mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.