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Wilfried Nancy insisted he did not fear the sack, claiming, “We are extremely close to things turning around,” in the wake of edging perilously close to the exit with a convincing loss to their arch-rivals.

A Second-Half Meltdown Results in Derby Defeat

Celtic were in front the visitors at the interval but a disastrous second period let Danny Röhl’s team to move level on points with the current league title holders. The French coach, who was hired from Columbus Crew, has now been in charge for six defeats in his first eight fixtures.

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

Asked directly about whether he was concerned, Nancy responded: “I don’t think about it. I think about finding ways to help my team to be good on small moments.

Protest On Display

Hundreds of supporters voiced their fury – aimed at the board and manager – by protesting outside the stadium. Club directors would be most likely to bring back the interim manager, who enjoyed a successful caretaker period before Nancy was hired, should a change be made.

“The outcomes [that leads to pressure]. And that’s the reality for the moment. However when I say this is the reality, it doesn’t mean that I am giving up. No. My point is we are really close, imminently close to turn things around.”

Nancy’s Persistent Belief

He continues to cling to the fact Celtic show good levels for a half at a time. For instance, were it not for missed chances they might have been greater than 1-0 up. “I saw enough aside from the fact that we missed a second goal,” he said. “I know that we lost, but it's important to stay objective.

“The performance we had at stages was really, really, really high. That happened. I could not talk like that if it was different. But that’s why, when it comes to wins, I mentioned it's a repeating pattern. Which is why I believe we are nearly there to a shift in fortunes. But for the moment: details, details, details.”

“We produced many, many good things that we did, once more. However it’s about performing for 90 minutes. My message would not be if I didn't believe it. This is why I am convinced we’re going to be able to get back on track.”

Röhl’s Cautious Response

Danny Röhl played down talk of a title charge in spite of what seemed like a huge result. “Step by step, then we can develop something here,” he said. “The confidence in the group is immense.”