Wilfried Nancy Stands Resolute After His Team's Home Defeat 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 marks a sixth defeat in their last eight outings.

The French manager praised an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other clear chances.

Yet, their Glasgow counterparts roared back in the second period, capitalising on the Celtic's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome means Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift table-toppers Hearts subject to the later result.

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

"In the second half, we conceded three goals from throw-ins. It's tough to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the individuals or the game plan, this is about key instances."

"This is not about me, this is about disappointing the fans because I understand the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the disappointment, but I also saw what we're able to do."

"I believe we are really close, there are many things that can turn around. If it was not the case, I would not talk like this. I really believe we can reverse our fortunes."

He concluded by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Stark Verdict on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken 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 facilitated this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the problem: "The problems are not 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 added: "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 give, there is no doubt."

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton summed up: "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."

Fan Reaction: Understanding for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change

The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of frustration and calls 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 react. 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 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 hoping 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 mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.