Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant After Celtic's Derby Loss to City Rivals

Parkhead manager 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 damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in eight games.

The Frenchman praised an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned a number of clear chances.

Yet, their city rivals roared back after the break, exposing the Celtic's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

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

Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "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 the situation. 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 understand the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, but I also saw what we're capable 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 Assessment on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh analysis: "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 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 problem: "The problems aren't high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the organisation at the back and the defensive qualities."

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 brutally bad."

"Celtic have just collapsed. 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."

Supporters' Views: Understanding for Nancy But Growing Calls for His Departure

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

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time 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 style. 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 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.