Wilfried Nancy Remains Defiant After His Team's Home Defeat to City Rivals

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

The Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned a number of clear chances.

However, their city rivals roared back in the second period, exposing the home side's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome means Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points behind leaders Hearts depending on the evening result.

Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we required more goals."

"In the second half, we conceded 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 key instances."

"This is not about me, this is about disappointing the fans because I understand the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, 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 really believe we can reverse our fortunes."

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

Analysts Give Stark Verdict on Celtic's Predicament

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

"It is not something that can carry on and it should not have happened. The people on the board who facilitated this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the issue: "The problems are not 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 remarked: "As much as Rangers have done the right things in this second half, Celtic have been just brutally bad."

"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: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure

The post-match mood among the fanbase was one of frustration and demand for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time we looked like a pub team. 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 self-explanatory.

James: The board are completely 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 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 progress. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.