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Wilfried Nancy insisted he was not afraid of the sack, asserting, “I believe we are really close to things turning around,” even after edging perilously close to the chopping block with a comprehensive defeat by their arch-rivals.

A Second-Half Collapse Leads to Derby Loss

The Hoops were in front their oldest rivals at the break but a second-half capitulation allowed Danny Röhl’s team to pull level on points with the defending league title holders. Nancy, who was appointed in December, has now presided over six defeats in his first eight matches.

“We are together with the board,” insisted Nancy.

Asked directly about the speculation, the 48-year-old responded: “That’s not my focus. My focus is on finding ways to help my team to be good on details.

Protest Outside Parkhead

The fans displayed their anger – directed at the dugout and directors – by gathering outside the stadium. The board are reportedly likely to return to the former boss, who enjoyed a successful interim spell last year, if Nancy departs.

“The outcomes [that leads to pressure]. And that’s the situation for the moment. Yet when I say that’s how it is, it doesn’t mean that I am a defeatist guy. No. The message is we are on the cusp, imminently close to turn things around.”

Nancy’s Persistent Belief

He remains focused on the fact Celtic can perform strongly for 45 minutes at a time. In fact, but for poor finishing they would have been greater than 1-0 up. “There were positives except the fact that we missed more goals,” he said. “I acknowledge that we lost, but I have also to be balanced.

“The standard we had at certain moments was really, really, really high. That is a fact. And I would not say that if it was different. Therefore, when it comes to wins, I said we've seen this before. That’s why I feel we are nearly there to things turning around. Right now: the fine margins.”

“We produced a lot of encouraging signs that we did, like today again. The issue now comes down to performing for 90 minutes. My outlook would not be the same. This is why I am a big believer we’re going to be able to get back on track.”

Röhl’s Cautious Response

Rangers manager was cautious about a championship push in spite of what felt like a landmark win. “Step by step, and we can develop something here,” he said. “The belief in the team is excellent.”