Bullish Nancy shows no fear of dismissal but supporters unleash anger following loss.
The under-pressure manager stated he was not afraid of dismissal, claiming, “The team is really close to things turning around,” despite moving dangerously close to being fired with a comprehensive loss to the Ibrox side.
A Second-Half Collapse Sees Old Firm Disaster
The Hoops were in front their oldest rivals at half-time but a second-half capitulation let Rangers to move level on points with the current Scottish Premiership champions. The former MLS manager, who was appointed from Columbus Crew, has now been in charge for six setbacks in eight games.
“There is unity at the club,” insisted Nancy.
Pressed on the speculation, he said: “It’s not on my mind. I concentrate on working out methods to help my team to excel on details.
Protest On Display
Hundreds of supporters displayed their anger – aimed at the board and manager – by protesting at full time. The board are reportedly likely to re-appoint Martin O’Neill, who steered the club during a caretaker period before Nancy was hired, if the Frenchman were sacked.
“Wins and losses [that leads to pressure]. That is the situation for the moment. But by saying that’s how it is, it doesn’t mean that I am a defeatist guy. Absolutely not. What I mean we are on the cusp, really, really close to change the narrative.”
Focus on the Details
Nancy highlights the fact his team can perform strongly for one half at a time. Indeed, but for wastefulness in front of goal they would have been more than 1-0 up. “The performance had merit aside from the fact that we didn't take more goals,” he said. “I acknowledge that we lost, but I must remain balanced.
“The standard we had at times was of top quality. This is the reality. I wouldn't talk like that if it was different. But that’s why, regarding outcomes, I said we've seen this before. Which is why I said that we are really close to a shift in fortunes. But for the moment: the fine margins.”
“I saw many, many good things that we did, like today again. But now is consistency. My message would change the same. Therefore I am a big believer we will manage to turn things around.”
The Rangers Boss Outlook
The victorious boss was cautious about a championship push in spite of what seemed like a huge result. “We take it game by game, then we can develop something here,” he said. “The belief in the squad is immense.”
