Nancy Stands Defiant After Celtic's Home Defeat to Rangers

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and expresses belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which marks a sixth defeat in eight games.

The French manager hailed an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned a number of opportunities.

However, their city rivals roared back after the break, exposing the Celtic's fragile defence with a two goals 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 leaders Hearts subject to the later result.

Addressing the media, 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 reality. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about key instances."

"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I understand the significance of this game. I can understand the frustration, 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 truly believe we can turn things around."

He finished by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal 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 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 absolute state."

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 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 doesn't do that."

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

The post-match sentiment 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 one 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 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 scapegoat. 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.