Nancy Stands Resolute After His Team's Derby Loss to City Rivals
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 damaging 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in their last eight outings.
The French manager praised an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned several other opportunities.
Yet, their city rivals fought back in the second period, exposing the Celtic's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.
This outcome sees Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.
Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "The result 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 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 understand the meaning of this game. I can understand the disappointment, but I also saw what we're able to do."
"We are really close, there are many things that can turn around. If it was not the case, I would not talk like this. I truly believe we can turn things around."
He concluded by reiterating, "We are together with the board."
Analysts Give Stark 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 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 allowed 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 organisation at the back and the defensive qualities."
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 change, 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 don't do that."
Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change
The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of anger and calls for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time we looked like amateurs. 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 style. 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 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 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.
