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

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

The French manager hailed an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities.

Yet, their city rivals roared back after the break, 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 find themselves six points adrift table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.

Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we required 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 game plan, this is about key instances."

"This is not about myself, this is about disappointing the fans because I know the significance of this game. I can understand the frustration, 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 concluded by reiterating, "We are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Stark Verdict on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh take: "Untenable 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 carry on and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who facilitated this should be shown the door 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 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 capitulated. Something has to give, there is no doubt."

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton concluded: "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."

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

The full-time sentiment among supporters was one of anger and demand for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, after the break we looked like amateurs. Nancy has a single 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 system. These players are not poor 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 won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.