Nancy Remains Resolute Following His Team's Home Defeat to City Rivals
Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and expresses belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a damaging 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which marks a sixth defeat 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 passed up several other opportunities.
Yet, 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 result means Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the evening result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "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 difficult to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the individuals or the tactics, this is about key instances."
"This is not about myself, this is about letting down the fans because I know the significance 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 reverse our fortunes."
He concluded by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Analysts Give Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Situation
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The gap between the manager and the team is so stark."
"It is not something that can continue and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who facilitated this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."
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 added: "As much as Rangers have done the correct 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 movie before with Nancy's Celtic."
"You can score, but you've got to defend. This team doesn't do that."
Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for His Departure
The post-match mood among supporters was one of anger and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, after the break we looked like amateurs. Nancy has a single way of playing and can't adapt. 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 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 poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.