Unbowed Celtic's manager does not fear being fired but Celtic fans show anger following derby defeat.
The Celtic boss stated he was not afraid of the sack, maintaining, “We are very near to a turnaround,” even after edging perilously close to being fired with a comprehensive defeat by the Ibrox side.
Another Collapse Sees Old Firm Disaster
The home side were in front the visitors at the interval but a collapse after the break enabled Rangers to move level on points with the current league title holders. The former MLS manager, who was brought in from Columbus Crew, has now overseen six setbacks in eight matches.
“The board and I are united with the board,” insisted the manager.
Questioned about the speculation, Nancy replied: “I don’t think about it. My focus is on working out methods to help my team to improve on small moments.
Protest Outside Parkhead
The fans made their feelings clear – towards the hierarchy – in their hundreds at full time. The board are thought to be considering to re-appoint the former boss, who had a fruitful temporary stint previously, if the Frenchman were sacked.
“It’s the results [that leads to pressure]. So this is the reality for the moment. Yet by saying that’s how it is, that is not a sign that I am pessimistic. Absolutely not. The message is we are really close, extremely close to reverse our form.”
“Really, Really Close”
He remains focused on the fact his team can perform strongly for one half at a time. For instance, but for wastefulness in front of goal they might have been greater than 1-0 up. “I saw enough aside from the fact that we missed our chances,” he said. “I acknowledge that we lost, but I have also to be fair.
“The standard we had at certain moments was really, really, really high. That is a fact. I wouldn't talk like that if it was untrue. But that’s why, when it comes to wins, I mentioned it's a repeating pattern. That’s why I said that we are nearly there to getting it right. Right now: small things.”
“We produced plenty of positives that we did, as was the case today. But now is sustaining it. My outlook would be different the same. This is why I firmly believe we will manage to fix this.”
Röhl’s Cautious Response
The victorious boss played down talk of a serious challenge even after what appeared to be a statement victory. “We take it game by game, and we can gradually build something here,” he said. “The belief in the team is immense.”
