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

Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in their last eight outings.

The French manager praised an "exceptional" first-half display from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of opportunities.

However, their city rivals roared back after the break, capitalising on the home side's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome means Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.

Addressing the media, 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 set-pieces. It's difficult to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about key instances."

"This is not about me, this is about disappointing the fans because I know the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the disappointment, but I also saw what we're capable 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 speak like this. I really believe we can turn things around."

He concluded by stressing, "We are together with the board."

Analysts Give Stark Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

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

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

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the issue: "The problems are not 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 added: "As much as Rangers have done the right things in this second half, Celtic have been just woefully poor."

"Celtic have just collapsed. 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 doesn't do that."

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

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

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, 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 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 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 improvement. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.