Wilfried Nancy insisted he was not worried about the sack, stating, “We are really close to things turning around,” despite the Celtic boss edging closer to the exit following a heavy defeat by Rangers.
Celtic were ahead of their oldest rivals at the break, but a second-half collapse from the hosts allowed Danny Röhl’s side to draw level on points with the reigning Scottish Premiership champions. Nancy, appointed from Columbus Crew in December, has now overseen six losses in eight matches.
Celtic supporters made their frustration clear – aimed at both the board and the manager – as hundreds gathered outside the stadium at full time. The board would most likely turn back to Martin O’Neill, who enjoyed a productive interim spell before Nancy’s appointment, should the Frenchman be dismissed.
“We are together with the board,” said Nancy. When asked if he was concerned about his future, the 48-year-old replied: “I don’t think about it. I think about finding ways to help my team to be good on details.
“It’s the results [that leads to pressure]. So this is the reality for the moment. But when I say this is the reality, it doesn’t mean that I am a defeatist guy. No. What I mean is we are really close, really, really close to turn things around.”
Nancy continues to hold on to the belief that Celtic are capable of delivering strong performances for at least one half at a time. Indeed, but for wasteful finishing, they could have been well beyond a 1-0 lead on Saturday. “I saw enough except the fact that we haven’t scored more goals,” he said. “I know that we lost, but I have also to be objective.
“The standard we reached at certain moments was really, really, really high. This is the reality. And I would not talk like that if it was not the case. But that’s why, in terms of results, I said this is the same story. That’s why I said that we are really close to things turning around. But for the moment: details, details, details.
“I saw many, many good things that we did, like today again. But now it’s about consistency. My narrative would not be the same if it was not the case. That’s why I am a big believer we’re going to be able to turn things around.”
Röhl declined to entertain talk of a Rangers title push despite what felt like a statement win. “Step by step, then we can really build up something here,” he said. “The belief in the group is outstanding.”