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The under-pressure manager declared he did not fear dismissal, maintaining, “We are really close to things turning around,” even after moving dangerously close to being fired with a comprehensive defeat by Rangers.

A Second-Half Capitulation Results in Old Firm Disaster

Celtic were in front their oldest rivals at the interval but a second-half capitulation allowed Rangers to pull level on points with the reigning Scottish Premiership champions. Nancy, who was hired from the MLS, has now presided over six setbacks in his last eight matches.

“There is unity at the club,” insisted the manager.

Asked directly about whether he was concerned, he replied: “I don’t think about it. My focus is on working out methods to help my team to improve on details.

Protest On Display

The fans voiced their fury – aimed at the dugout and directors – by gathering outside the stadium. Club directors are thought to be considering to return to the interim manager, who steered the club during a temporary stint before Nancy was hired, if Nancy departs.

“The outcomes [that leads to pressure]. That is the situation for the moment. But when I say this is the reality, it doesn’t mean that I am pessimistic. No. My point is we are really close, really, really close to reverse our form.”

“Really, Really Close”

The coach highlights the fact the side play well for 45 minutes at a time. In fact, were it not for poor finishing they might have been better than 1-0 up. “The performance had merit except the fact that we didn't take more goals,” he said. “I know that we lost, but I have also to be balanced.

“The level we had at times was of top quality. This is the reality. I could not talk like that if it was untrue. Therefore, in terms of results, I mentioned it's a repeating pattern. Which is why I believe we are really close to getting it right. But for the moment: the fine margins.”

“I saw many, many good things that we did, once more. The issue now is performing for 90 minutes. My outlook would be different the same. This is why I am convinced the team can to fix this.”

Opposition Reaction Outlook

The victorious boss played down talk of a championship push in spite of what appeared to be a landmark win. “One match at a time, so we can gradually build a challenge,” he said. “The belief in the group is outstanding.”