Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant After His Team's Home Defeat to City Rivals
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "in unison with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth defeat in eight games.
The Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of opportunities.
However, their Glasgow counterparts fought back after the break, capitalising on the home side's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.
This result sees Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points behind leaders Hearts depending on the evening result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "The result was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we required 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 disappointing the fans because I know the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the disappointment, 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 talk like this. I really believe we can reverse our fortunes."
He finished by stressing, "We are together with the board."
Pundits Deliver Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The gap between the manager and the team is so stark."
"It is not something that can carry on and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who facilitated this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified 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 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."
Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure
The post-match mood among supporters was one of frustration and demand for action.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, post half-time we looked like a pub team. 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 system. These players are not bad 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 lack 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 poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.