Nancy Remains Resolute Following His Team's Home Defeat to Rangers
Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together 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 eight games.
The French manager praised an "outstanding" first-half display 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, capitalising on the Celtic's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This result sees Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points adrift table-toppers Hearts subject to 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 throw-ins. 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 disappointing the fans because I understand the significance of this game. I can appreciate the disappointment, but I also saw what we're capable to do."
"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 reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Analysts Give Stark Assessment on Celtic's Situation
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken 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 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 identified the problem: "The problems are not 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 added: "As much as Rangers have done the correct 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 movie before with Nancy's Celtic."
"You can score, but you've got to defend. This team doesn't do that."
Fan Reaction: Understanding for Nancy But Growing Calls for His Departure
The full-time sentiment among supporters was one of anger and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, after the break we looked like amateurs. Nancy has a single way of playing and can't adapt. 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 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 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 improvement. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.