Nancy Remains Resolute Following His Team's Home Defeat to Rangers
Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in eight games.
The French manager praised an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities.
Yet, their Glasgow counterparts fought back after the break, exposing the Celtic's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This outcome means Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind leaders Hearts depending on the later result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we needed more goals."
"In the second half, we let in three goals from set-pieces. It's difficult to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the individuals or the tactics, this is about moments."
"This is not about me, this is about disappointing the fans because I know the meaning 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 speak like this. I truly believe we can reverse our fortunes."
He concluded by stressing, "We are together with the board."
Analysts Give Stark Verdict on Celtic's Situation
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The disconnect 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 shown the door as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."
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 defensive qualities."
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 give, 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."
Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change
The full-time mood among supporters was one of anger and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, 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 painfully obvious 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 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 scapegoat. 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 won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.