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The under-pressure manager stated he did not fear dismissal, asserting, “We are really close to things turning around,” even after sliding worryingly close to being fired with a heavy setback against the Ibrox side.

A Second-Half Collapse Results in Old Firm Disaster

The Hoops were in front their oldest rivals at half-time but a second-half capitulation enabled Rangers to draw level on points with the current league title holders. Nancy, who was brought in from Columbus Crew, has now been in charge for six defeats in his first eight matches.

“There is unity at the club,” stated the manager.

Pressed on whether he was concerned, Nancy responded: “I don’t think about it. I concentrate on working out methods to get the team to be good on the fine details.

Fan Fury Outside Parkhead

Celtic’s support voiced their fury – towards the board and manager – by protesting at full time. Club directors would be most likely to re-appoint Martin O’Neill, who steered the club during a caretaker period last year, if Nancy departs.

“The outcomes [that leads to pressure]. So this is the reality for the moment. Yet by saying this is the reality, that is not a sign that I am giving up. Absolutely not. What I mean we are on the cusp, extremely close to change the narrative.”

“Really, Really Close”

He highlights the fact the side can perform strongly for 45 minutes at a time. Indeed, but for missed chances they would have been better than 1-0 up. “I saw enough except the fact that we haven’t scored a second goal,” he said. “I know that we lost, but it's important to stay fair.

“The standard we had at certain moments was of top quality. That happened. I could 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. For that reason I feel we are really close to things turning around. Currently: the fine margins.”

“There were a lot of encouraging signs that we did, once more. But now it’s about consistency. My message would be different if it was not the case. That’s why I am a big believer we will manage to fix this.”

Röhl’s Cautious Outlook

Rangers manager played down talk of a championship push despite what seemed like a huge result. “We take it game by game, so we can really build up a challenge,” he said. “The belief in the group is outstanding.”