Wilfried Nancy spent a memorable Friday press conference pleading for time, context and understanding as he visibly struggles with the role of Celtic manager. This outcome – and the nature of it – will do nothing for Nancy’s hopes of keeping his job.
Celtic’s beleaguered directors now face a critical and imminent decision over whether to keep faith with the Frenchman or write his appointment off as a bad mistake. This marked a sixth defeat in eight games for Nancy. It arrived against the backdrop of revolt from paying customers. Celtic feel an on- and off-field mess. Nancy is on the precipice.
The weird thing about this game was that for 45 minutes, Celtic were very good. Yang Hyun-jun gave them a fully merited lead, with Rangers clearly second best. The damning thing for Nancy – or merely the latest thing – was how pitifully Celtic reacted to Rangers gaining a foothold in the derby. A Rangers team that has encountered the Russell Martin debacle earlier in the campaign is now level on points with Celtic. A Youssef Chermiti double and Mikey Moore goal secured the away win.
Nervousness had been evident among the home support at kick-off. It took nine minutes to the atmosphere to represent an Old Firm fixture, Johnny Kenny flashing a ball across Jack Butland’s goal. Celtic’s followers had received the encouragement they so desperately craved.
