Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant After 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 concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth loss in their last eight outings.
The Frenchman praised an "exceptional" first-half display from his side, a period in which they went ahead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities.
Yet, their Glasgow counterparts roared back in the second period, exposing the home side's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore.
This outcome means Rangers draw level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could find themselves six points behind table-toppers Hearts subject to the later 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 conceded three goals from throw-ins. It's difficult to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the individuals 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 understand the disappointment, but I also saw what we're able 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 reverse our fortunes."
He finished by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board."
Analysts Give Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Situation
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "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 carry on and it should not have happened. The people on the board who facilitated this should be removed 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 organisation 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 brutally bad."
"Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to give, 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 doesn't do that."
Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for His Departure
The post-match sentiment among the fanbase was one of frustration and calls for action.
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 adapt. 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 self-explanatory.
James: The board are completely 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 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.