Nancy Remains Defiant Following Celtic's Derby Loss to City Rivals

Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a damaging 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which marks a sixth loss in their last eight outings.

The Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of opportunities.

However, their city rivals fought back in the second period, capitalising on the Celtic's fragile defence with a double brace from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result means Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind leaders Hearts subject to the evening result.

Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "The result was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we needed 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 tactics, 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 capable to do."

"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 reverse our fortunes."

He finished by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Stark Assessment on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "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 occurred. 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 pinpointed 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 remarked: "As much as Rangers have done the correct things in this second half, Celtic have been just brutally bad."

"Celtic have just capitulated. 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."

Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change

The post-match mood among supporters was one of anger and calls for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like amateurs. Nancy has a single 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 style. 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 got the job 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.