Nancy Stands Defiant After His Team's Derby Loss to Rangers
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "we can turn things around" in the face of a concerning 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which marks a sixth loss 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 a number of opportunities.
Yet, their Glasgow counterparts roared back in the second period, exposing 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 behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the evening result.
Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we merited a better outcome 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 players or the game plan, this is about key instances."
"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I know the significance of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, 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 reverse our fortunes."
He finished by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Analysts Give Stark Assessment on Celtic's Predicament
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh analysis: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The disconnect 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 allowed this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray."
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 defensive qualities."
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 woefully poor."
"Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to change, there is no doubt."
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton concluded: "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."
Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change
The post-match sentiment among the fanbase was one of frustration and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like amateurs. Nancy has one way of playing and can't react. 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 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 fall guy. 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 won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.
