Nancy Stands Defiant After His Team's Derby Loss to Rangers
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "in unison with the board" and expresses belief that "we can turn things around" in the face of a concerning 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in eight games.
The French manager praised an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned a number of opportunities.
However, their city rivals fought back after the break, exposing the home side's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This result means Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind leaders Hearts subject to the evening result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we needed more goals."
"In the second half, we conceded three goals from throw-ins. It's difficult to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about key instances."
"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I understand the significance 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 speak like this. I truly believe we can reverse our fortunes."
He finished by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Analysts Give Stark Assessment on Celtic's Situation
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Unworkable 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 occurred. The people on the board who allowed this should be shown the door 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 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 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 His Departure
The post-match sentiment among the fanbase was one of frustration and calls for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like a pub team. Nancy has one way of playing and can't adapt. Get him out now!
Iain: It's very clear for all to see 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 got the job in the first place, but he'll be used as the fall guy. We lack 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 progress. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.