🔗 Share this article

The Celtic boss stated he did not fear dismissal, asserting, “We are extremely close to things turning around,” despite sliding worryingly close to the chopping block with a heavy defeat by Rangers.

A Second-Half Capitulation Results in Derby Loss

The home side were in front the visitors at the interval but a collapse after the break let Danny Röhl’s team to draw level on points with the reigning league title holders. Nancy, who was appointed from the MLS, has now overseen six defeats in his last eight matches.

“The board and I are united with the board,” insisted Nancy.

Questioned about the speculation, he said: “I don’t think about it. I think about discovering solutions to get the team to improve on small moments.

Protest Outside Parkhead

Hundreds of supporters voiced their fury – aimed at the board and manager – by protesting outside the stadium. The board would be most likely to return to Martin O’Neill, who steered the club during a caretaker period previously, should a change be made.

“It’s the results [that leads to pressure]. So this is the reality for the moment. However when I say this is the reality, I am not saying that I am giving up. Absolutely not. What I mean we are really close, extremely close to change the narrative.”

“Really, Really Close”

He continues to cling to the fact Celtic can perform strongly for one half at a time. Indeed, were it not for poor finishing they might have been more than 1-0 up. “The performance had merit other than the fact that we didn't take our chances,” he said. “I know that we lost, but I must remain fair.

“The performance we had at certain moments was exceptionally high. This is the reality. And I would not talk like that if it was untrue. That is the reason, regarding outcomes, I said it's a repeating pattern. For that reason I said that a change is coming to things turning around. But for the moment: details, details, details.”

“I saw plenty of positives that we did, once more. But now is performing for 90 minutes. My outlook would be different if it was not the case. This is why I firmly believe we’re going to be able to turn things around.”

Opposition Reaction Stance

The victorious boss was cautious about a championship push even after what felt like a statement victory. “Step by step, then we can really build up something here,” he said. “The belief in the group is outstanding.”