Unbowed Celtic's manager insists he is not worried about the sack yet supporters unleash fury after derby defeat.

The under-pressure manager declared he did not fear the sack, asserting, “We are very near to a turnaround,” despite moving dangerously close to the chopping block with a comprehensive setback against their arch-rivals.

A Second-Half Collapse Sees Old Firm Disaster

The home side were in front the visitors at the interval but a second-half capitulation let Danny Röhl’s team to pull level on points with the reigning Scottish Premiership champions. The French coach, who was brought in in December, has now overseen six setbacks in eight matches.

“The board and I are united with the board,” stated the manager.

Asked directly about his own future, he responded: “That’s not my focus. My focus is on working out methods to aid my players to be good on the fine details.

Supporters' Anger Outside Parkhead

The fans voiced their fury – towards the hierarchy – by gathering at Parkhead. The hierarchy are thought to be considering to bring back the interim manager, who enjoyed a successful temporary stint previously, if the Frenchman were sacked.

“It’s the results [that leads to pressure]. And that’s the situation for the moment. However in stating this is the reality, it doesn’t mean that I am pessimistic. Absolutely not. The message is we are on the cusp, really, really close to turn things around.”

“Really, Really Close”

He continues to cling to the fact Celtic can perform strongly for 45 minutes at a time. In fact, if not for missed chances they could have been greater than 1-0 up. “The performance had merit other than the fact that we haven’t scored our chances,” he said. “I acknowledge that we lost, but I have also to be fair.

“The level we had at times was of top quality. This is the reality. I wouldn't talk like that if it was untrue. Therefore, when it comes to wins, I noted this is the same story. For that reason I said that we are nearly there to a shift in fortunes. Right now: small things.”

“There were many, many good things that we did, like today again. But now it’s about sustaining it. My outlook would be different if I didn't believe it. This is why I firmly believe the team can to turn things around.”

Opposition Reaction Response

The victorious boss was cautious about a title charge in spite of what seemed like a landmark win. “One match at a time, so we can develop a challenge,” he said. “The faith in the team is excellent.”