Wilfried Nancy Stands Resolute Following Celtic's Derby Loss to Rangers

Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has insisted 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 marks a sixth defeat in their last eight outings.

The French manager hailed an "exceptional" 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.

However, their city rivals roared back after the break, exposing the home side's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome means Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind table-toppers Hearts subject to the later result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "The result 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 the situation. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about key instances."

"This is not about me, this is about disappointing the fans because I know the significance of this game. I can appreciate the disappointment, but I also saw what we're capable 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 speak like this. I really believe we can reverse our fortunes."

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

Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh 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 occurred. The people on the board who allowed this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the problem: "The problems are not 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 collapsed. 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 don't do that."

Fan Reaction: Understanding for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change

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

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, after the break we looked like amateurs. Nancy has a single way of playing and can't adapt. Get him out now!

Iain: It's very painfully obvious 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 wholly 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 wanting 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.