Nancy Stands Resolute After His Team's Home Defeat to City Rivals
Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in their last eight outings.
The French manager hailed an "exceptional" first-half display from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned a number of opportunities.
Yet, their city rivals roared back in the second period, capitalising on the home side's defensive fragility with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This outcome sees Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift table-toppers Hearts subject to the evening result.
Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "The result was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we required more goals."
"In the second half, we let in three goals from set-pieces. It's tough to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about moments."
"This is not about myself, this is about disappointing the fans because I know the significance of this game. I can understand the disappointment, but I also saw what we're able 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 really believe we can turn things around."
He concluded by stressing, "We are together with the board."
Pundits Deliver Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Situation
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh analysis: "Untenable 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 complete disarray."
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the issue: "The problems aren't 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 story before with Nancy's Celtic."
"You can score, but you've got to defend. This team don't do that."
Fan Reaction: Understanding for Nancy But Growing Calls for His Departure
The post-match sentiment among supporters was one of frustration and calls for action.
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 painfully obvious that Celtic cannot play to Nancy's style. These players are not bad 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 got the job 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 wanting 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.
