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The under-pressure manager declared he was not afraid of dismissal, claiming, “The team is extremely close to a turnaround,” despite edging perilously close to being fired with a comprehensive defeat by their arch-rivals.

A Second-Half Capitulation Sees Old Firm Loss

Celtic were in front Rangers at half-time but a second-half capitulation enabled the Gers to move level on points with the current Scottish Premiership champions. The former MLS manager, who was appointed in December, has now been in charge for six defeats in eight games.

“The board and I are united at the club,” said the manager.

Questioned about whether he was concerned, Nancy replied: “It’s not on my mind. I concentrate on working out methods to help my team to be good on small moments.

Protest Outside Parkhead

The fans displayed their anger – towards the dugout and directors – in their hundreds at Parkhead. Club directors are reportedly likely to return to the interim manager, who steered the club during a temporary stint last year, if the Frenchman were sacked.

“Wins and losses [that leads to pressure]. And that’s the situation for the moment. Yet when I say this is the reality, that is not a sign that I am giving up. Not at all. The message is we are on the cusp, imminently close to turn things around.”

“Really, Really Close”

He remains focused on the fact the side can perform strongly for 45 minutes at a time. In fact, if not for wastefulness in front of goal they would have been more than 1-0 up. “I saw enough aside from the fact that we didn't take a second goal,” he said. “I acknowledge that we lost, but I have also to be balanced.

“The standard we had at times was of top quality. That is a fact. I wouldn't talk like that if it was untrue. Therefore, when it comes to wins, I mentioned we've seen this before. Which is why I believe we are nearly there to a shift in fortunes. But for the moment: the fine margins.”

“I saw many, many good things that we did, as was the case today. However comes down to consistency. My message would change the same. This is why I am convinced the team can to fix this.”

Röhl’s Cautious Response

The victorious boss refused to contemplate a championship push in spite of what felt like a landmark win. “We take it game by game, so we can develop a challenge,” he said. “The confidence in the squad is immense.”