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The under-pressure manager insisted he was not afraid of losing his job, claiming, “I believe we are very near to things turning around,” despite edging perilously close to being fired with a comprehensive loss to Rangers.

Another Capitulation Results in Old Firm Defeat

The home side were in front their oldest rivals at the interval but a disastrous second period let Rangers to draw level on points with the defending league title holders. Nancy, who was appointed in December, has now overseen six losses in his first eight games.

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

Questioned about the speculation, he said: “It’s not on my mind. I concentrate on working out methods to help my team to be good on the fine details.

Protest On Display

Celtic’s support displayed their anger – towards the hierarchy – in their hundreds at Parkhead. The hierarchy are reportedly likely to bring back Martin O’Neill, who enjoyed a successful caretaker period last year, should a change be made.

“Wins and losses [that leads to pressure]. And that’s the situation for the moment. However when I say that’s how it is, it doesn’t mean that I am giving up. Not at all. My point is we are really close, imminently close to turn things around.”

Focus on the Details

He remains focused on the fact the side show good levels for one half at a time. For instance, but for wastefulness in front of goal they might have been better than 1-0 up. “There were positives except the fact that we didn't take more goals,” he said. “I accept that we lost, but I have also to be objective.

“The level we had at times was really, really, really high. That is a fact. I wouldn't talk like that if it was different. Therefore, in terms of results, I said it's a repeating pattern. That’s why I feel we are nearly there to a shift in fortunes. But for the moment: details, details, details.”

“We produced plenty of positives that we did, once more. But now it’s about performing for 90 minutes. My message would not be the same. Therefore I firmly believe we will manage to fix this.”

Opposition Reaction Response

The victorious boss was cautious about a title charge in spite of what felt like a huge result. “One match at a time, then we can develop something here,” he said. “The faith in the team is excellent.”