Nancy Stands Defiant Following Celtic's Home Defeat to City Rivals

Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "in unison with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" in the face of a concerning 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which marks a sixth loss in eight games.

The Frenchman praised an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other clear chances.

Yet, their city rivals fought back in the second period, exposing the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result 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 stated, "The result was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we required more goals."

"In the second half, we conceded three goals from throw-ins. It's tough to accept, but it's the situation. 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 know the meaning of this game. I can appreciate 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 concluded by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Predicament

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

"It is not something that can carry on and it should not have happened. 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 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 capitulated. Something has to give, 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: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change

The post-match sentiment among supporters was one of frustration and demand for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break 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 bad 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 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.