Nancy Stands Defiant Following Celtic's Home Defeat to Rangers
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "in unison with the board" and maintains belief that "we can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which marks a sixth loss in eight games.
The French manager praised an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities.
Yet, their city rivals 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 draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift table-toppers Hearts subject to the evening result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It 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 reality. This is not about the individuals or the game plan, this is about moments."
"This is not about myself, this is about letting down the fans because I understand the significance of this game. I can understand 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 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 Situation
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The disconnect between the manager and the team is so obvious."
"It is not something that can continue and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who allowed this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the issue: "The problems aren't high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the organisation at the back and the defensive qualities."
Former Rangers striker and coach Billy Dodds remarked: "As much as Rangers have done the right things in this second half, Celtic have been just woefully poor."
"Celtic have just capitulated. Something has to give, there is no doubt."
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton concluded: "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 Growing Calls for His Departure
The post-match mood among supporters was one of anger and calls for action.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like amateurs. Nancy has one 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 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 wanting 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 poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.