Defiant Wilfried Nancy insists he is not worried about the sack however the Parkhead faithful display anger following defeat.
The Celtic boss insisted he had no concerns about dismissal, asserting, “The team is very near to changing our fortunes,” despite sliding worryingly close to the exit with a heavy defeat by Rangers.
A Second-Half Collapse Sees Derby Defeat
Celtic were in front the visitors at the interval but a collapse after the break enabled the Gers to draw level on points with the reigning league title holders. The French coach, who was appointed from the MLS, has now overseen six defeats in eight games.
“The board and I are united with the board,” stated Nancy.
Pressed on his own future, he said: “That’s not my focus. I think about working out methods to aid my players to improve on details.
Supporters' Anger On Display
Celtic’s support voiced their fury – towards the hierarchy – in their hundreds outside the stadium. Club directors are reportedly likely to return to the former boss, who enjoyed a successful temporary stint before Nancy was hired, should a change be made.
“It’s the results [that leads to pressure]. So this is the truth for the moment. Yet when I say that’s how it is, I am not saying that I am pessimistic. No. My point is the turnaround is near, really, really close to turn things around.”
“Really, Really Close”
He continues to cling to the fact his team show good levels for 45 minutes at a time. In fact, were it not for poor finishing they could have been more than 1-0 up. “The performance had merit other than the fact that we didn't take a second goal,” he said. “I accept that we lost, but I must remain balanced.
“The level we had at stages was really, really, really high. That happened. I could not speak so positively if it was different. But that’s why, when it comes to wins, I said we've seen this before. That’s why I said that we are nearly there to a shift in fortunes. Currently: small things.”
“We produced plenty of positives that we did, as was the case today. However comes down to performing for 90 minutes. My outlook would change the same. That’s why I am convinced the team can to get back on track.”
Opposition Reaction Stance
The victorious boss played down talk of a championship push despite what seemed like a huge result. “One match at a time, and we can gradually build something here,” he said. “The faith in the squad is outstanding.”