Wilfried Nancy has launched an impassioned defence of his credentials to manage Celtic, asking his critics to apply “context” and claiming the media have tried to “kill” him during his troubled early weeks in charge of the club. The reality is Nancy’s job will come under serious threat should Celtic lose Saturday’s Old Firm fixture.

The 2-0 loss to Motherwell on Tuesday was the fifth reverse of Nancy’s seven games in charge of Celtic. The visitors’ performance at Fir Park was especially dismal, which raised the latest set of questions about the former Columbus Crew coach’s suitability for his role. If Rangers win at Celtic Park they would draw level with their oldest foes despite the Ibrox side’s own unconvincing start to the campaign. Both teams trail Hearts in Scotland’s Premiership.

“This is only the beginning,” Nancy insisted. “Usually we have four weeks of pre-season. I did not have pre-season. Before I came, I knew that if I don’t win games I am going to be in trouble because this is part of the job. But I am pleased to be here. I know where we are now. I am not an underdog.

“In context, I knew that this...