Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant After Celtic's Derby Loss to Rangers

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "in unison 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 their last eight outings.

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

Yet, their Glasgow counterparts roared back after the break, exposing the home side's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome sees Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points adrift table-toppers Hearts subject to the evening result.

Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "The result was disappointing because we deserved more 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 players or the game plan, this is about moments."

"This is not about myself, this is about letting down the fans because I know the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, 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 really believe we can reverse our fortunes."

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

Analysts Give Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The gap 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 facilitated this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."

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 added: "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 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: Understanding for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change

The full-time mood among supporters was one of frustration and calls for change.

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 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 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 won't change. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.