Wilfried Nancy stated he had no concerns about the sack, maintaining, “The team is extremely close to changing our fortunes,” even after sliding worryingly close to the chopping block with a convincing defeat by Rangers.
The home side were ahead Rangers at the interval but a collapse after the break allowed Danny Röhl’s team to draw level on points with the defending league title holders. The former MLS manager, who was brought in from Columbus Crew, has now presided over six defeats in his first eight matches.
“The board and I are united at the club,” said the manager.
Questioned about whether he was concerned, Nancy said: “That’s not my focus. I concentrate on finding ways to get the team to excel on the fine details.
The fans displayed their anger – aimed at the board and manager – in their hundreds at Parkhead. The hierarchy are thought to be considering to re-appoint the former boss, who had a fruitful temporary stint previously, if the Frenchman were sacked.
“The outcomes [that leads to pressure]. So this is the reality for the moment. Yet by saying this is the reality, it doesn’t mean that I am pessimistic. Not at all. The message is we are on the cusp, really, really close to turn things around.”
He continues to cling to the fact Celtic show good levels for one half at a time. For instance, were it not for poor finishing they might have been greater than 1-0 up. “The performance had merit other than the fact that we haven’t scored our chances,” he said. “I know that we lost, but I have also to be balanced.
“The level we had at stages was really, really, really high. This is the reality. And I would not say that if it was untrue. That is the reason, when it comes to wins, I mentioned it's a repeating pattern. That’s why I said that we are really close to things turning around. But for the moment: details, details, details.”
“We produced many, many good things that we did, like today again. The issue now comes down to sustaining it. My narrative would be different if I didn't believe it. This is why I am convinced we’re going to be able to turn things around.”
Rangers manager was cautious about a championship push even after what appeared to be a huge result. “We take it game by game, so we can really build up something here,” he said. “The belief in the group is excellent.”