Wilfried Nancy Remains Defiant Following His Team's Home Defeat to Rangers

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

The French manager hailed an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of opportunities.

However, their city rivals fought back in the second period, exposing the home side's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

This result sees Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points behind table-toppers Hearts depending on the evening result.

Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "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 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 know the meaning of this game. I can understand the frustration, but I also saw what we're capable 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 finished by stressing, "We are together with the board."

Pundits Deliver Stark Verdict on Celtic's Predicament

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The disconnect 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 removed as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."

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 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 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 full-time sentiment among supporters was one of frustration and calls for action.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, after the break we looked like amateurs. Nancy has a single 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 self-explanatory.

James: The board are completely 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 don't have 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 progress. He has a formation that he refuses to alter. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.