Celtic's new manager Wilfried Nancy stands at a critical crossroads, facing intense scrutiny after a turbulent start to his tenure that has tested the patience of passionate club supporters.

Just over four weeks since being announced as Brendan Rodgers' permanent successor, Nancy has weathered a challenging stretch, losing five of his seven matches in charge across multiple competitions.

The upcoming Old Firm derby against Rangers represents more than just another match - it's a potential turning point for Nancy's leadership and Celtic's season. With the team three points behind league leaders Hearts, a victory could reset expectations, while a defeat might escalate mounting pressure.

In a remarkable pre-match press conference, Nancy delivered an extraordinary and passionate defense of his approach, acknowledging the results haven't matched expectations while simultaneously requesting understanding from fans and media.

"I know your job is to attack me, or to ask a lot of questions, no problem with that," Nancy stated candidly. "If you want to judge me now, you can do it. I didn't have the results we wanted - it's a fact, I cannot deny that."

The French manager emphasized the challenges of taking over mid-season without a proper pre-season training period, explaining that his players are still adapting to his tactical vision. He switched from the previous 4-3-3 formation to a more complex 3-4-3 system, which requires significant player adjustment.

Despite the recent setbacks, including defeats to Hearts, Dundee United, Roma, and St Mirren, Nancy remains resolute. He understands the high-stakes environment of managing Celtic and knows that immediate success is the expectation.

Saturday's derby against Rangers represents a critical moment. A victory could reinvigorate his tenure and potentially set Celtic on course for another championship, while a loss would intensify the already considerable scrutiny surrounding his leadership.