Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant After Celtic's Derby Loss to City Rivals
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "in unison with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in eight games.
The Frenchman hailed an "exceptional" first-half display from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of opportunities.
Yet, their city rivals fought back in the second period, capitalising on the home side's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This result 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.
Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "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 difficult to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the individuals or the tactics, this is about moments."
"This is not about me, 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 capable to do."
"We are really close, there are many things that can be improved. If it was not the case, I would not talk like this. I really believe we can turn things around."
He concluded by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Pundits Deliver Stark Verdict on Celtic's Situation
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 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 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 right things in this second half, Celtic have been just brutally bad."
"Celtic have just capitulated. Something has to change, 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 doesn't do that."
Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change
The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of anger and demand for action.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like a pub team. Nancy has one way of playing and can't react. 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 got the job 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 wanting 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 poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.
