Wilfried Nancy Remains Resolute Following Celtic's Derby Loss to Rangers
Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and expresses belief that "we can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 defeat 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 clear chances.
However, their city rivals roared back in the second period, exposing the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace 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.
Speaking post-match, 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 reality. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about key instances."
"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I know the meaning of this game. I can understand the disappointment, but I also saw what we're able to do."
"I believe 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 finished by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Pundits Deliver Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Predicament
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh analysis: "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 occurred. The people on the board who facilitated this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the issue: "The problems are not high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the shape at the back and the defensive qualities."
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 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: Understanding for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure
The full-time mood among supporters was one of anger and demand for action.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time we looked like amateurs. 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 style. 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 scapegoat. 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.