Nancy Stands Defiant Following His Team's Home Defeat to Rangers
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "we can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth defeat in their last eight outings.
The Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities.
However, their Glasgow counterparts fought back after the break, exposing the Celtic's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This result means Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind table-toppers Hearts subject to the evening result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "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 moments."
"This is not about me, this is about disappointing the fans because I understand the significance of this game. I can appreciate the disappointment, 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 really believe we can reverse our fortunes."
He finished by reiterating, "We are together with the board."
Pundits Deliver Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Situation
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The gap between the manager and the team is so stark."
"It is not something that can carry on and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who allowed this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the issue: "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 remarked: "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 doesn't do that."
Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for His Departure
The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of anger and demand 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 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 fall guy. 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 won't change. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.