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The under-pressure manager insisted he did not fear the sack, maintaining, “We are very near to things turning around,” in the wake of edging perilously close to the exit with a convincing setback against the Ibrox side.

A Second-Half Capitulation Sees Derby Defeat

The home side had led the visitors at the interval but a second-half capitulation enabled Rangers to move level on points with the reigning league title holders. The former MLS manager, who was brought in from the MLS, has now been in charge for six losses in his first eight games.

“The board and I are united at the club,” said the manager.

Pressed on whether he was concerned, he responded: “I don’t think about it. My focus is on finding ways to aid my players to improve on small moments.

Fan Fury Erupts

The fans made their feelings clear – aimed at the board and manager – by protesting at full time. Club directors are reportedly likely to re-appoint Martin O’Neill, who steered the club during a temporary stint before Nancy was hired, if the Frenchman were sacked.

“Wins and losses [that leads to pressure]. And that’s the reality for the moment. But in stating this is the reality, it doesn’t mean that I am pessimistic. Not at all. The message is the turnaround is near, really, really close to turn things around.”

Nancy’s Persistent Belief

Nancy remains focused on the fact his team show good levels for one half at a time. In fact, were it not for wastefulness in front of goal they might have been more than 1-0 up. “There were positives other than the fact that we haven’t scored a second goal,” he said. “I know that we lost, but it's important to stay objective.

“The standard we had at times was exceptionally high. This is the reality. I wouldn't speak so positively if it was not the case. That is the reason, regarding outcomes, I mentioned we've seen this before. For that reason I feel we are nearly there to a shift in fortunes. Currently: the fine margins.”

“I saw plenty of positives that we did, as was the case today. However is consistency. My outlook would change if I didn't believe it. That’s why I am convinced we’re going to be able to turn things around.”

Opposition Reaction Stance

The victorious boss played down talk of a championship push despite what appeared to be a statement victory. “We take it game by game, then we can develop a challenge,” he said. “The faith in the team is immense.”