Nancy Remains Defiant After Celtic's Derby Loss to Rangers

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

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 several other clear chances.

However, their city rivals roared back after the break, capitalising on the Celtic's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.

This result means Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points adrift leaders Hearts depending on the later result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy stated, "It was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we required more goals."

"In the second half, we conceded three goals from set-pieces. It's tough to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about moments."

"This is not about myself, 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 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 finished by stressing, "We are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The disconnect between the manager and the team is so obvious."

"It is not something that can continue and it should not have happened. The people on the board who allowed this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the issue: "The problems aren't 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 brutally bad."

"Celtic have just collapsed. 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 don't do that."

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

The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of frustration and calls 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 painfully obvious that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's style. These players are not poor players all of a sudden. The answer is obvious.

James: The board are completely 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 won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.