Nancy Remains Defiant After Celtic's Home Defeat 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" in the face of a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in eight games.

The Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned several other opportunities.

Yet, their city rivals roared back in the second period, exposing the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome sees Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift leaders Hearts depending on the evening result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we needed 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 players or the tactics, this is about key instances."

"This is not about myself, this is about letting down the fans because I know the significance of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, 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 reverse our fortunes."

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

Analysts Give Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Situation

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

"It is not something that can carry on and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who facilitated this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the problem: "The problems are not 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 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 doesn't do that."

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

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

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time 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 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 been appointed in the first place, but he'll be used as the fall guy. 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 mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.