Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant Following Celtic's Derby Loss to Rangers

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted 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 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in their last eight outings.

The Frenchman praised an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned a number of clear chances.

Yet, their city rivals fought back in the second period, exposing the home side's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result means Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.

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

"In the second half, we conceded three goals from set-pieces. It's difficult to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the individuals or the game plan, 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 understand the frustration, but I also saw what we're able 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 speak like this. I truly believe we can reverse our fortunes."

He finished by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Stark Verdict on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The disconnect between the manager and the team is so stark."

"It is not something that can continue and it should not have happened. 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 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 right things in this second half, Celtic have been just brutally bad."

"Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to give, 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 sentiment among supporters was one of anger and demand for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like a pub team. Nancy has one way of playing and can't react. Get him out now!

Iain: It's very painfully obvious that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's style. These players are not poor players all of a sudden. The answer is obvious.

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 wanting to give him a chance, but there is no progress. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.