Nancy Stands Defiant After His Team's Derby Loss to City Rivals

Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and expresses belief that "we can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat 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.

However, their Glasgow counterparts fought back in the second period, capitalising on the Celtic's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.

This result means Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift leaders Hearts depending on the later result.

Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "It 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 tough to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about key instances."

"This is not about me, 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."

"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 really believe we can turn things around."

He finished by reiterating, "We are together with the board."

Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh analysis: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The disconnect between the manager and the team is so stark."

"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 absolute state."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the problem: "The problems aren't high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the shape 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 capitulated. Something has to give, there is no doubt."

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton summed up: "We've seen this story before with Nancy's Celtic."

"You can score, but you've got to defend. This team doesn't do that."

Fan Reaction: Understanding for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change

The full-time sentiment among the fanbase was one of anger and demand for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, 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 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 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 won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.