🔗 Share this article Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant Following His Team's Home Defeat to Rangers 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 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in their last eight outings. The Frenchman praised an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities. However, their Glasgow counterparts roared back after the break, capitalising on the Celtic's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore. This result sees Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind leaders Hearts depending on the later result. Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It 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 throw-ins. It's tough to accept, but it's reality. 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 significance of this game. I can appreciate the disappointment, but I also saw what we're capable to do." "I believe we are really close, there are many things that can turn around. If it was not the case, I would not speak like this. I really believe we can turn things around." He concluded by reiterating, "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: "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 continue and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who allowed this should be removed 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 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 woefully poor." "Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to give, 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 don't do that." Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure The full-time mood among supporters was one of anger and demand for change. Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time we looked like amateurs. 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 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.
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 defeat to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in their last eight outings. The Frenchman praised an "outstanding" first-half display from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and passed up several other opportunities. However, their Glasgow counterparts roared back after the break, capitalising on the Celtic's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a third strike from Mikey Moore. This result sees Rangers move level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind leaders Hearts depending on the later result. Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It 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 throw-ins. It's tough to accept, but it's reality. 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 significance of this game. I can appreciate the disappointment, but I also saw what we're capable to do." "I believe we are really close, there are many things that can turn around. If it was not the case, I would not speak like this. I really believe we can turn things around." He concluded by reiterating, "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: "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 continue and it should not have occurred. The people on the board who allowed this should be removed 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 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 woefully poor." "Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to give, 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 don't do that." Fan Reaction: Sympathy for Nancy But Mounting Calls for His Departure The full-time mood among supporters was one of anger and demand for change. Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, post half-time we looked like amateurs. 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 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.