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The under-pressure manager insisted he was not afraid of the sack, claiming, “The team is extremely close to a turnaround,” in the wake of sliding worryingly close to the chopping block with a convincing loss to Rangers.

Another Collapse Leads to Derby Loss

Celtic were in front their oldest rivals at the interval but a second-half capitulation let Danny Röhl’s team to draw level on points with the reigning Scottish Premiership champions. The French coach, who was hired from the MLS, has now presided over six defeats in his first eight matches.

“There is unity with the board,” insisted Nancy.

Pressed on his own future, Nancy said: “It’s not on my mind. My focus is on working out methods to get the team to improve on small moments.

Fan Fury Erupts

The fans voiced their fury – directed at the dugout and directors – by gathering at Parkhead. The board are reportedly likely to re-appoint Martin O’Neill, who enjoyed a successful caretaker period last year, should a change be made.

“It’s the results [that leads to pressure]. That is the reality for the moment. Yet in stating that’s how it is, that is not a sign that I am pessimistic. Not at all. What I mean the turnaround is near, imminently close to reverse our form.”

“Really, Really Close”

He continues to cling to the fact the side can perform strongly for 45 minutes at a time. In fact, but for wastefulness in front of goal they would have been greater than 1-0 up. “There were positives other than the fact that we missed a second goal,” he said. “I know that we lost, but I must remain fair.

“The level we had at times was really, really, really high. That happened. I could not say that if it was not the case. But that’s why, regarding outcomes, I said it's a repeating pattern. For that reason I said that we are really close to getting it right. Right now: small things.”

“I saw plenty of positives that we did, once more. But now comes down to sustaining it. My narrative would not be the same. That’s why I firmly believe the team can to get back on track.”

Röhl’s Cautious Stance

The victorious boss was cautious about a championship push in spite of what seemed like a statement victory. “Step by step, then we can gradually build something here,” he said. “The faith in the squad is immense.”