Wilfried Nancy Remains Defiant Following Celtic's Home Defeat 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 Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of opportunities.

However, their Glasgow counterparts fought back after the break, capitalising on the Celtic's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome sees Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift table-toppers Hearts depending on the evening result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy stated, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we needed more goals."

"In the second half, we conceded three goals from set-pieces. It's tough to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the individuals or the game plan, this is about moments."

"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I know 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 really believe we can reverse our fortunes."

He finished by stressing, "We are together with the board."

Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh analysis: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The disconnect between the manager and the team is so stark."

"It is not something that can continue and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who allowed this should be removed 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 remarked: "As much as Rangers have done the right 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 story before with Nancy's Celtic."

"You can score, but you've got to defend. This team don't do that."

Fan Reaction: Understanding for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure

The post-match sentiment among the fanbase was one of anger and calls for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time 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 bad players all of a sudden. The answer is self-explanatory.

James: The board are wholly 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 won't change. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.