🔗 Share this article Wilfried Nancy Stands Resolute After Celtic's Derby Loss to City Rivals Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and expresses belief that "we can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in eight games. The Frenchman praised an "outstanding" 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. However, their city rivals roared back in the second period, capitalising on the Celtic's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore. This outcome means Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind leaders Hearts subject to the later result. Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "The result was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we required 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 understand the significance 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 speak like this. I really believe we can reverse our fortunes." He finished by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board." Pundits Deliver Stark Assessment 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 obvious." "It is not something that can continue and it should not have happened. The people on the board who allowed this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an absolute state." Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the problem: "The problems aren't 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 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 don't do that." Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change The full-time mood among supporters was one of frustration and calls for action. Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, 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 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 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 progress. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.
Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has insisted he is still "together with the board" and expresses belief that "we can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in eight games. The Frenchman praised an "outstanding" 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. However, their city rivals roared back in the second period, capitalising on the Celtic's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore. This outcome means Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind leaders Hearts subject to the later result. Addressing the media, Nancy commented, "The result was disappointing because we merited a better outcome today, but again we required 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 understand the significance 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 speak like this. I really believe we can reverse our fortunes." He finished by stressing, "The manager and board are together with the board." Pundits Deliver Stark Assessment 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 obvious." "It is not something that can continue and it should not have happened. The people on the board who allowed this should be shown the door as well. Celtic are in an absolute state." Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner identified the problem: "The problems aren't 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 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 don't do that." Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for Change The full-time mood among supporters was one of frustration and calls for action. Pete: First 45 minutes looked great, 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 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 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 progress. He has a formation that he won't change. We've been beaten by a mediocre Rangers team. Nancy must go.