Wilfried Nancy Remains Defiant Following Celtic's Derby Loss to City Rivals

Parkhead manager 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 concerning 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in their last eight outings.

The French manager praised 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 opportunities.

However, their city rivals fought back in the second period, exposing the Celtic's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result sees Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points adrift table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.

Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "The result 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 the situation. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about key instances."

"This is not about myself, this is about letting down the fans because I understand 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 Assessment on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The gap 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 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 remarked: "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 give, 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."

Supporters' Views: Understanding for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change

The post-match sentiment among supporters was one of anger and calls for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, after the break we looked like a pub team. 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 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 fall guy. 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 progress. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.