Wilfried Nancy Remains Defiant Following Celtic's Home Defeat to Rangers

Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and expresses belief that "the team can turn things around" in the face of a concerning 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which marks 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 Glasgow counterparts roared back after the break, capitalising on the Celtic's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.

This outcome means Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points behind leaders Hearts subject to the evening result.

Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "The result 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 tough 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 me, this is about letting down the fans because I understand the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the disappointment, 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 talk like this. I truly believe we can turn things around."

He concluded by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board."

Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh take: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The gap 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 allowed this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed 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 correct 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 movie 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 Growing Calls for His Departure

The post-match sentiment among the fanbase was one of frustration and demand for action.

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 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 been appointed in the first place, but he'll be used as the fall guy. We don't have 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 refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.