Wilfried Nancy Remains Resolute Following His Team's Derby Loss to City Rivals
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "in unison with the board" and expresses belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth defeat in their last eight outings.
The Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities.
Yet, their Glasgow counterparts roared back in the second period, capitalising on the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This result sees Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the evening result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we merited a better outcome 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 reality. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about moments."
"This is not about me, 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."
"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 turn things around."
He finished by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Analysts Give Stark Verdict on Celtic's Situation
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh take: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The disconnect between the manager and the team is so stark."
"It is not something that can continue and it should not have occurred. 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 issue: "The problems aren't 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 brutally bad."
"Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to change, 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."
Supporters' Views: Understanding for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure
The post-match mood among the fanbase was one of anger and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, 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 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 lack 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 refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.