Wilfried Nancy Remains Resolute Following His Team's Derby Loss to Rangers

Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and expresses 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 their last eight outings.

The French manager praised an "exceptional" 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 in the second period, capitalising on the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result sees Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy stated, "The result 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 game plan, this is about moments."

"This is not about me, this is about disappointing 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."

"I believe 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 reverse our fortunes."

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

Pundits Deliver Stark Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

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

"It is not something that can continue 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 issue: "The problems are not high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the organisation 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 woefully poor."

"Celtic have just capitulated. Something has to change, 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."

Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change

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

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

Iain: It's very painfully obvious 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 got the job 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 progress. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.