In the high-stakes world of Scottish football, Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy is facing intense scrutiny after a rocky start to his tenure, candidly addressing mounting pressure ahead of a crucial Old Firm derby against Rangers.

Since taking over from Brendan Rodgers in early December, Nancy has experienced a challenging transition, losing five of his seven matches in charge and sparking widespread speculation about his future at the club.

Speaking directly to media in a passionate press conference, Nancy didn't shy away from the criticism, acknowledging the team's underwhelming performance while simultaneously requesting patience from fans and journalists alike. "I know your job is to attack me, or to ask a lot of questions, no problem with that," he stated firmly. "My job is to be a coach."

The French manager highlighted the unique challenges of his current position, pointing out that he arrived without a traditional pre-season preparation period. "Usually, we have four or five weeks of pre-season. I didn't have that," Nancy explained, emphasizing the difficulties of rapidly implementing his tactical vision.

Nancy has boldly replaced the previous 4-3-3 formation with his own 3-4-3 system, demonstrating his commitment to transforming Celtic's playing style. He candidly admitted that the team has not yet reached the level he envisions, but remains confident in his long-term strategy.

With Celtic currently three points behind league leaders Hearts, and Rangers poised to potentially match their points tally, Saturday's derby represents a critical moment for Nancy's leadership. A victory could reinvigorate supporter confidence, while a defeat might intensify existing pressures.

The manager's arrival came amid significant club turbulence, following Brendan Rodgers' controversial resignation and a period of internal tension. Nancy inherits a complex environment but remains resolute: "If you are patient - I know you cannot be patient in this job - you will see what I can do, my team and my players."

As the Old Firm derby approaches, all eyes will be on Wilfried Nancy and whether he can translate his tactical vision into the result Celtic supporters desperately desire.