Nancy Remains Defiant Following His Team's Home Defeat to Rangers
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "together with the board" and maintains belief that "the team can turn things around" in the face of a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in eight games.
The French manager praised 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 clear chances.
Yet, their city rivals roared back after the break, exposing the Celtic's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This result means Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift table-toppers Hearts depending on the later result.
Speaking post-match, Nancy stated, "It 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 tough to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the individuals or the game plan, this is about moments."
"This is not about myself, this is about disappointing the fans because I know the meaning 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 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 reiterating, "We are together with the board."
Analysts Give Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Situation
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh take: "Untenable 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 identified 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 correct 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 concluded: "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: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change
The full-time mood among supporters was one of frustration and demand for change.
Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like a pub team. 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 system. These players are not poor players all of a sudden. The answer is obvious.
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 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 mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.
