Wilfried Nancy Remains Resolute Following Celtic's Home Defeat to Rangers

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

The French manager hailed an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other clear chances.

Yet, their Glasgow counterparts roared back in the second period, exposing the Celtic's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore.

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

Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again we needed more goals."

"In the second half, we conceded three goals from set-pieces. It's difficult to accept, but it's reality. This is not about the individuals or the game plan, this is about moments."

"This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I know the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, but I also saw what we're able to do."

"We are really close, there are many things that can be improved. If it was not the case, I would not talk 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 Blunt Verdict on Celtic's Situation

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal analysis: "Unworkable position for Nancy. He looks like a broken man. The disconnect between the manager and the team is so stark."

"It is not something that can continue and it should not have happened. The people on the board who facilitated this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an absolute state."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified 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 added: "As much as Rangers have done the correct things in this second half, Celtic have been just woefully poor."

"Celtic have just capitulated. Something has to give, 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 doesn't do that."

Fan Reaction: Understanding for Nancy But Growing Calls for His Departure

The post-match sentiment among the fanbase was one of anger and demand for change.

Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, after the break we looked like a pub team. Nancy has one 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 bad 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 been appointed 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 improvement. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.