Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant After His Team's Home Defeat to Rangers

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted 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 their last eight outings.

The Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities.

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

This result means Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift table-toppers Hearts subject to the later result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy stated, "It was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we required more goals."

"In the second half, we conceded three goals from throw-ins. It's difficult to accept, but it's reality. 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 meaning of this game. I can understand the disappointment, but I also saw what we're capable to do."

"I believe 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 truly believe we can turn things around."

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

Analysts Give Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh take: "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 continue 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 issue: "The problems aren't 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 brutally bad."

"Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to change, 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."

Fan Reaction: Understanding for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change

The full-time mood among supporters was one of anger and calls for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, after the break 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 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 wholly 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 lack 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.