Nancy Remains Defiant After Celtic's Derby Loss to Rangers

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

The Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned several other clear chances.

Yet, 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 result means Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift table-toppers Hearts depending on the evening 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 tough 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 me, 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."

"We are really close, there are many things that can be improved. If it was not the case, I would not talk like this. I truly believe we can reverse our fortunes."

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

Pundits Deliver Stark Assessment on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The disconnect 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 allowed this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."

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 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 capitulated. Something has to change, there is no doubt."

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton concluded: "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."

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

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

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, 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 got the job in the first place, but he'll be used as the scapegoat. We lack 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 won't change. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.