Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant After His Team's Home Defeat to Rangers
Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and maintains 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 eight games.
The French manager praised an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned a number of opportunities.
Yet, their city rivals roared back after the break, exposing the Celtic's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.
This result sees Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind leaders Hearts subject to the evening result.
Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "The result was disappointing because we deserved more 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 reality. This is not about the individuals or the tactics, this is about key instances."
"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I understand the meaning of this game. I can understand the frustration, but I also saw what we're able 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 truly believe we can reverse our fortunes."
He finished by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Pundits Deliver Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The gap between the manager and the team is so obvious."
"It is not something that can carry on and it should not have occurred. 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 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 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 change, 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 doesn't do that."
Supporters' Views: Understanding for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change
The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of anger and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, post half-time we looked like a pub team. Nancy has a single 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 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 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 won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.
