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Wilfried Nancy stated he was not afraid of the sack, asserting, “We are extremely close to changing our fortunes,” despite moving dangerously close to the exit with a heavy loss to their arch-rivals.

A Second-Half Collapse Results in Derby Disaster

The home side were ahead their oldest rivals at the break but a second-half capitulation allowed the Gers to pull level on points with the reigning league title holders. Nancy, who was brought in from the MLS, has now been in charge for six losses in eight fixtures.

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

Pressed on whether he was concerned, Nancy said: “That’s not my focus. I think about working out methods to get the team to improve on the fine details.

Protest On Display

Celtic’s support made their feelings clear – aimed at the hierarchy – by protesting at Parkhead. The board are reportedly likely to bring back the interim manager, who steered the club during a caretaker period before Nancy was hired, should a change be made.

“It’s the results [that leads to pressure]. That is the truth for the moment. But by saying that’s how it is, I am not saying that I am a defeatist guy. Absolutely not. What I mean we are really close, imminently close to reverse our form.”

Nancy’s Persistent Belief

The coach highlights the fact Celtic play well for 45 minutes at a time. For instance, were it not for poor finishing they could have been better than 1-0 up. “The performance had merit other than the fact that we haven’t scored a second goal,” he said. “I acknowledge that we lost, but I have also to be objective.

“The standard we had at times was really, really, really high. That is a fact. And I would not talk like that if it was not the case. But that’s why, regarding outcomes, I said it's a repeating pattern. For that reason I believe we are really close to things turning around. Currently: details, details, details.”

“We produced many, many good things that we did, once more. But now is consistency. My outlook would change the same. That’s why I am a big believer we will manage to turn things around.”

The Rangers Boss Response

Rangers manager played down talk of a title charge in spite of what appeared to be a statement victory. “One match at a time, then we can really build up a challenge,” he said. “The belief in the squad is outstanding.”