Nancy Remains Defiant Following Celtic's Home Defeat to City Rivals

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "in unison with the board" and maintains belief that "the team 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 Frenchman hailed an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of clear chances.

However, their city rivals fought back in the second period, capitalising on the home side's fragile defence with a double brace 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 table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.

Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we needed more goals."

"In the second half, we let in three goals from throw-ins. It's tough 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 disappointing the fans because I know 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 truly believe we can turn things around."

He concluded by stressing, "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: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The disconnect between the manager and the team is so obvious."

"It is not something that can carry on and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who facilitated 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 organisation at the back and the ability to defend."

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 capitulated. 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 don't do that."

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

The post-match mood among the fanbase was one of anger and demand for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, after the break 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 style. These players are not poor players all of a sudden. The answer is self-explanatory.

James: The board are completely 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 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 improvement. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.