Nancy Remains Defiant Following His Team's Home Defeat to City Rivals
Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "we can turn things around" in the face of a concerning 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat 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 several other opportunities.
However, their city rivals fought back in the second period, capitalising on the home side's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.
This result means Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind table-toppers Hearts subject to the evening result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy stated, "The result was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we needed more goals."
"In the second half, we let in 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 myself, this is about disappointing the fans because I understand the significance of this game. I can understand the frustration, 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 finished by reiterating, "We are together with the board."
Analysts Give Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Predicament
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Untenable 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 carry on 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 issue: "The problems are not high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the organisation at the back and the defensive qualities."
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 doesn't do that."
Fan Reaction: Understanding for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change
The post-match mood among supporters was one of anger and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, 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 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 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 fall guy. We lack 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 refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.