The under-pressure manager stated he did not fear dismissal, claiming, “The team is very near to a turnaround,” in the wake of edging perilously close to the chopping block with a comprehensive defeat by their arch-rivals.
The home side were in front the visitors at the interval but a second-half capitulation allowed Danny Röhl’s team to move level on points with the current league title holders. The French coach, who was appointed from the MLS, has now overseen six setbacks in his first eight fixtures.
“The board and I are united with the board,” insisted the manager.
Pressed on whether he was concerned, he said: “It’s not on my mind. I think about working out methods to help my team to be good on the fine details.
The fans voiced their fury – aimed at the board and manager – by protesting at full time. The board are thought to be considering to re-appoint Martin O’Neill, who had a fruitful temporary stint last year, if Nancy departs.
“It’s the results [that leads to pressure]. And that’s the situation for the moment. Yet by saying this is the reality, it doesn’t mean that I am pessimistic. Not at all. My point is we are really close, imminently close to change the narrative.”
He highlights the fact the side show good levels for one half at a time. Indeed, were it not for poor finishing they might have been better than 1-0 up. “There were positives except the fact that we didn't take a second goal,” he said. “I acknowledge that we lost, but I have also to be balanced.
“The performance we had at times was of top quality. This is the reality. I wouldn't say that if it was different. Therefore, in terms of results, I noted this is the same story. That’s why I feel we are really close to getting it right. Currently: small things.”
“We produced a lot of encouraging signs that we did, once more. However it’s about performing for 90 minutes. My message would not be if it was not the case. This is why I am convinced we will manage to get back on track.”
Danny Röhl played down talk of a title charge despite what appeared to be a statement victory. “We take it game by game, and we can gradually build momentum,” he said. “The belief in the squad is immense.”
Mira is a tech journalist and AI researcher with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their societal impacts.