Nancy Stands Defiant Following His Team's Home Defeat to Rangers

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted 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 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in eight games.

The Frenchman hailed an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities.

However, their Glasgow counterparts roared back in the second period, exposing the Celtic's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome sees Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind table-toppers 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 reality. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about key instances."

"This is not about myself, this is about disappointing the fans because I understand the meaning of this game. I can understand the frustration, but I also saw what we're capable to do."

"I believe 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 truly believe we can reverse our fortunes."

He finished by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh analysis: "Unworkable 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 continue and it should not have happened. 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 problem: "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 brutally bad."

"Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to give, 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: Understanding for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure

The post-match mood among supporters was one of anger and demand for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like a pub team. Nancy has one way of playing and can't react. Get him out now!

Iain: It's very clear for all to see that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's system. 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 hoping to give him a chance, but there is no improvement. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.