Wilfried Nancy Stands 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 "the team can turn things around" in the face of a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth defeat in their last eight outings.

The Frenchman praised an "exceptional" first-half display from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned a number of clear chances.

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

This outcome sees Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the evening result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we required 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 individuals 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 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 turn things around."

He concluded by reiterating, "We are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh take: "Untenable 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 continue and it should not have happened. The people on the board who allowed this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the problem: "The problems aren't 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 added: "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 change, 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 doesn't do that."

Fan Reaction: Understanding for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change

The full-time mood among supporters was one of anger and demand for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, 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 poor players all of a sudden. The answer is obvious.

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 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 poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.