Wilfried Nancy Remains Resolute After His Team's Derby Loss to City Rivals
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "in unison with the board" and expresses belief that "we can turn things around" in the face of a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth defeat in eight games.
The French manager hailed an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other clear chances.
However, their city rivals roared back after the break, capitalising on the home side's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This result sees Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points adrift leaders Hearts subject to the later result.
Addressing the media, Nancy stated, "The result was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we needed more goals."
"In the second half, we let in three goals from throw-ins. It's tough to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the individuals or the tactics, this is about key instances."
"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I understand the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, but I also saw what we're able to do."
"I believe 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 really believe we can reverse our fortunes."
He finished by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh take: "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 occurred. The people on the board who allowed this should be removed as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the problem: "The problems aren't high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the organisation at the back and the defensive qualities."
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 collapsed. Something has to change, 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 don't do that."
Fan Reaction: Understanding for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change
The full-time mood among supporters was one of frustration and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time we looked like amateurs. Nancy has a single 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 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 poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.
