Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant After His Team's Home Defeat to City Rivals
Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and expresses belief that "we can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in their last eight outings.
The French manager praised an "outstanding" 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 in the second period, exposing the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This outcome means Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points adrift table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we needed more goals."
"In the second half, we let in three goals from throw-ins. It's tough to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the individuals or the tactics, this is about key instances."
"This is not about myself, this is about disappointing 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 be improved. If it was not the case, I would not speak like this. I really believe we can reverse our fortunes."
He concluded by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Pundits Deliver 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 stark."
"It is not something that can continue and it should not have happened. 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 pinpointed the problem: "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 remarked: "As much as Rangers have done the right things in this second half, Celtic have been just woefully poor."
"Celtic have just capitulated. 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."
Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change
The post-match mood among the fanbase was one of anger and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time we looked like amateurs. Nancy has one way of playing and can't adapt. 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 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 scapegoat. 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 refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.