Nancy Remains Defiant After His Team's Home Defeat to Rangers

Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" in the face of a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth defeat in eight games.

The Frenchman praised an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities.

However, their city rivals fought back after the break, capitalising on the home side's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result sees Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift leaders Hearts depending on the later result.

Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "The result was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we needed more goals."

"In the second half, we let in three goals from set-pieces. It's difficult to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about moments."

"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 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 turn things around."

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

Analysts Give Stark 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 stark."

"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 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 added: "As much as Rangers have done the right things in this second half, Celtic have been just woefully poor."

"Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to change, there is no doubt."

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton concluded: "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 His Departure

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

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, post half-time we looked like amateurs. 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 system. These players are not poor 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 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.