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

Celtic boss 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 concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in their last eight outings.

The Frenchman praised an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned several other clear chances.

Yet, their city rivals fought back after the break, exposing the Celtic's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.

This result sees Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points adrift table-toppers Hearts subject to the later result.

Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "It was disappointing because we deserved more 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 players or the game plan, this is about moments."

"This is not about myself, 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 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 speak like this. I truly believe we can turn things around."

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

Pundits Deliver Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Situation

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

"It is not something that can carry on and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who facilitated this should be shown the door 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 organisation at the back and the defensive qualities."

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 woefully poor."

"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 don't do that."

Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change

The full-time sentiment among supporters was one of anger and demand for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, 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 painfully obvious 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 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 improvement. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.