Wilfried Nancy Remains Defiant After His Team's Derby Loss to City Rivals

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

The French manager praised an "exceptional" first-half display from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of clear chances.

However, their city rivals fought back in the second period, capitalising on the home side's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome means Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift table-toppers Hearts subject to the later result.

Addressing the media, 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 throw-ins. It's tough to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the individuals or the game plan, this is about key instances."

"This is not about myself, this is about disappointing the fans because I understand the significance of this game. I can appreciate 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 speak like this. I really believe we can reverse our fortunes."

He finished by stressing, "We are together with the board."

Analysts Give Stark Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Untenable 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 shown the door as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the issue: "The problems aren't 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 correct 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 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 Growing Calls for His Departure

The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of anger and calls for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, post half-time we looked like amateurs. Nancy has a single way of playing and can't adapt. Get him out now!

Iain: It's very painfully obvious that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's system. These players are not bad 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 progress. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.