Nancy Stands Resolute After His Team's Derby Loss to Rangers
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and expresses belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth loss in their last eight outings.
The French manager praised an "exceptional" first-half display from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of opportunities.
However, their Glasgow counterparts fought back in the second period, exposing the Celtic's defensive fragility 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 find themselves six points behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the evening result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we required more goals."
"In the second half, we let in three goals from throw-ins. It's tough to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about key instances."
"This is not about myself, this is about letting down the fans because I know the significance of this game. I can understand the frustration, but I also saw what we're capable to do."
"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 truly 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 harsh analysis: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken 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 occurred. The people on the board who facilitated this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the issue: "The problems are not 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 right things in this second half, Celtic have been just brutally bad."
"Celtic have just capitulated. Something has to change, there is no doubt."
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton concluded: "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."
Fan Reaction: Understanding for Nancy But Growing Calls for His Departure
The post-match mood among the fanbase was one of frustration and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, post half-time we looked like a pub team. Nancy has one way of playing and can't adapt. 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 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 wanting 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 mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.
