🔗 Share this article Nancy Stands Defiant Following His Team's Derby Loss to City Rivals Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "in unison 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 marks a sixth loss in their last eight outings. The Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of clear chances. Yet, their Glasgow counterparts fought back after the break, capitalising on the Celtic's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore. This outcome sees Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points adrift leaders Hearts depending on the evening result. Speaking post-match, Nancy stated, "The result was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we required more goals." "In the second half, we conceded three goals from set-pieces. It's difficult to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about moments." "This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I understand the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, but I also saw what we're able to do." "I believe 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 really believe we can turn things around." He finished by reiterating, "We are together with the board." Analysts Give Stark Assessment on Celtic's Situation Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The gap between the manager and the team is so stark." "It is not something that can carry on and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who allowed this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray." Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the issue: "The problems aren't high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the shape at the back and the defensive qualities." 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 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 post-match mood among the fanbase was one of anger and demand for action. Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, post half-time 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 style. 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 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 poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.
Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "in unison 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 marks a sixth loss in their last eight outings. The Frenchman hailed an "outstanding" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up a number of clear chances. Yet, their Glasgow counterparts fought back after the break, capitalising on the Celtic's defensive fragility with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore. This outcome sees Rangers move level on points with their rivals Celtic, who could end up six points adrift leaders Hearts depending on the evening result. Speaking post-match, Nancy stated, "The result was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we required more goals." "In the second half, we conceded three goals from set-pieces. It's difficult to accept, but it's the situation. This is not about the players or the game plan, this is about moments." "This is not about me, this is about letting down the fans because I understand the meaning of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, but I also saw what we're able to do." "I believe 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 really believe we can turn things around." He finished by reiterating, "We are together with the board." Analysts Give Stark Assessment on Celtic's Situation Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a brutal take: "Untenable position for Nancy. He looks like a defeated man. The gap between the manager and the team is so stark." "It is not something that can carry on and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who allowed this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an complete disarray." Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner pinpointed the issue: "The problems aren't high up the pitch for Celtic, the problems are the shape at the back and the defensive qualities." 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 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 post-match mood among the fanbase was one of anger and demand for action. Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, post half-time 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 style. 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 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 poor Rangers team. Nancy must go.