Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant Following His Team's Home Defeat to City Rivals

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in eight games.

The Frenchman praised an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of clear chances.

However, their Glasgow counterparts fought back after the break, exposing the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

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

Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we required more goals."

"In the second half, we let in three goals from throw-ins. It's tough to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the individuals or the game plan, this is about moments."

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

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

Pundits Deliver Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated 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 facilitated this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified 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 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 story 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 Growing Calls for His Departure

The full-time mood among supporters was one of frustration and demand 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 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 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 poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.