🔗 Share this article Wilfried Nancy Stands Defiant Following His Team's Home Defeat to Rangers Parkhead manager Wilfried Nancy has declared he is still "in unison with the board" and expresses belief that "we can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in their last eight outings. The Frenchman praised an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned a number of clear chances. However, their Glasgow counterparts roared back after the break, exposing the Celtic's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore. This outcome means Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind leaders Hearts subject to the later result. Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It 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 throw-ins. It's tough to accept, but it's reality. 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 know the significance of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, but I also saw what we're capable to do." "We are really close, there are many things that can turn around. If it was not the case, I would not talk like this. I really believe we can reverse our fortunes." He concluded by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board." Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh 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 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 absolute state." 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 correct things in this second half, Celtic have been just brutally bad." "Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to give, 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 doesn't do that." Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of frustration and demand for change. Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like amateurs. Nancy has one 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 bad 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 fall guy. We lack 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 declared he is still "in unison with the board" and expresses belief that "we can turn things around" in the face of a damaging 3-1 loss to Rangers, which represents a sixth defeat in their last eight outings. The Frenchman praised an "exceptional" first-half performance from his side, a period in which they took the lead through Yang Hyun-Jun and spurned a number of clear chances. However, their Glasgow counterparts roared back after the break, exposing the Celtic's fragile defence with a two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a final strike from Mikey Moore. This outcome means Rangers draw level on points with second-placed Celtic, who could end up six points behind leaders Hearts subject to the later result. Speaking post-match, Nancy commented, "It 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 throw-ins. It's tough to accept, but it's reality. 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 know the significance of this game. I can appreciate the frustration, but I also saw what we're capable to do." "We are really close, there are many things that can turn around. If it was not the case, I would not talk like this. I really believe we can reverse our fortunes." He concluded by reiterating, "The manager and board are together with the board." Analysts Give Blunt Assessment on Celtic's Predicament Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart offered a harsh 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 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 absolute state." 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 correct things in this second half, Celtic have been just brutally bad." "Celtic have just collapsed. Something has to give, 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 doesn't do that." Supporters' Views: Sympathy for Nancy But Growing Calls for Change The full-time mood among the fanbase was one of frustration and demand for change. Pete: First 45 minutes looked promising, after the break we looked like amateurs. Nancy has one 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 bad 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 fall guy. We lack 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.