🔗 Share this article Wilfried Nancy Remains Defiant Following Celtic's Derby Loss to Rangers Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "in unison with the board" and expresses belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth defeat in their last eight outings. The Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" 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 fought back after the break, exposing the home side's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore. This result means Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift leaders Hearts depending on the evening 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 set-pieces. It's tough to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about moments." "This is not about me, 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 able to do." "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 turn things around." He finished by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board." Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Situation Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh take: "Unworkable 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 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 summed up: "We've seen this story before with Nancy's Celtic." "You can score, but you've got to defend. This team doesn't do that." Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of frustration and calls for action. Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time 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 style. These players are not poor players all of a sudden. The answer is obvious. 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 fall guy. 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 won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "in unison with the board" and expresses belief that "the team can turn things around" despite a concerning 3-1 loss to Rangers, which marks a sixth defeat in their last eight outings. The Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" 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 fought back after the break, exposing the home side's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore. This result means Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could find themselves six points adrift leaders Hearts depending on the evening 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 set-pieces. It's tough to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the tactics, this is about moments." "This is not about me, 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 able to do." "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 turn things around." He finished by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board." Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Situation Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh take: "Unworkable 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 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 summed up: "We've seen this story before with Nancy's Celtic." "You can score, but you've got to defend. This team doesn't do that." Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of frustration and calls for action. Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time 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 style. These players are not poor players all of a sudden. The answer is obvious. 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 fall guy. 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 won't change. We've been beaten by a poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.