Nancy Remains Resolute After His Team's Derby Loss to Rangers

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "we can turn things around" despite 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 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 final strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome sees Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points adrift table-toppers Hearts subject to the later result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "The result was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we required more goals."

"In the second half, we let in three goals from set-pieces. It's tough to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the players 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 understand the disappointment, but I also saw what we're capable to do."

"We are really close, there are many things that can turn around. If it was not the case, I would not speak 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 Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated 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 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 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 capitulated. Something has to change, 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 doesn't do that."

Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for His Departure

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

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like amateurs. 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 system. These players are not bad 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 improvement. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.