Wilfried Nancy declared he did not fear losing his job, claiming, “We are very near to changing our fortunes,” even after sliding worryingly close to being fired with a convincing setback against their arch-rivals.
The home side had led their oldest rivals at the interval but a second-half capitulation let Danny Röhl’s team to pull level on points with the defending league title holders. The French coach, who was brought in in December, has now been in charge for six defeats in his last eight fixtures.
“There is unity with the board,” insisted the manager.
Asked directly about whether he was concerned, he responded: “That’s not my focus. I think about finding ways to help my team to improve on small moments.
Hundreds of supporters voiced their fury – directed at the hierarchy – by protesting at Parkhead. The hierarchy would be most likely to re-appoint the former boss, who had a fruitful interim spell last year, should a change be made.
“Wins and losses [that leads to pressure]. And that’s the truth for the moment. However in stating that’s how it is, I am not saying that I am giving up. Absolutely not. My point is we are really close, extremely close to reverse our form.”
He continues to cling to the fact the side show good levels for 45 minutes at a time. In fact, if not for poor finishing they might have been greater than 1-0 up. “I saw enough other than the fact that we haven’t scored a second goal,” he said. “I know that we lost, but I have also to be balanced.
“The level we had at times was really, really, really high. That happened. I wouldn't say that if it was untrue. But that’s why, regarding outcomes, I mentioned we've seen this before. Which is why I believe we are really close to things turning around. Currently: small things.”
“I saw plenty of positives that we did, as was the case today. However it’s about consistency. My message would be different if I didn't believe it. Therefore I firmly believe we will manage to turn things around.”
The victorious boss was cautious about a championship push even after what felt like a statement victory. “We take it game by game, so we can really build up something here,” he said. “The belief in the group is outstanding.”
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