Nancy Remains Resolute After Celtic's Derby Loss to City Rivals
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "in unison with the board" and expresses belief that "the team can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which marks a sixth loss in their last eight outings.
The Frenchman praised an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned several other clear chances.
Yet, their city rivals fought back after the break, capitalising on the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.
This result sees Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points adrift leaders Hearts depending on the later result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy stated, "It was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we required more goals."
"In the second half, we conceded three goals from set-pieces. It's difficult to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the individuals or the game plan, this is about moments."
"This is not about myself, 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 be improved. 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."
Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "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 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 pinpointed the problem: "The problems aren't high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the organisation at the back and the ability to defend."
Former Rangers striker and coach Billy Dodds remarked: "As much as Rangers have done the correct 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 movie before with Nancy's Celtic."
"You can score, but you've got to defend. This team don't do that."
Supporters' Views: Understanding for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure
The full-time sentiment among supporters was one of frustration and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, 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 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 scapegoat. 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 improvement. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.
