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Major Insights from Danny Rohl's Rangers Press Conference

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl addressed the media for nearly half an hour during his first press conference

  • Published
    2 hours ago

Nearly four and a half months following Russell Martin's first press conference as the club's manager, successor the German coach faced reporters at Ibrox for the first time.

The magnitude of the challenge ahead of him is well known, considering his predecessor's turbulent and unsuccessful 123-day spell.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss was accompanied by club chairman the chairman, along with the much-criticized pair of football director Thelwell and chief executive Stewart.

But what exactly did we learn from the 36-year-old coach's maiden media outing as the club's manager?

The Manager's Main Priority - Victory Comes First

A single message emerged loud and clear from Rohl's initial presentation in front of the local press - he understands the necessity to win matches, and achieve this quickly.

The previous manager Russell Martin lasted only 17 games and 123 days as manager, so the inquiry arose about how long Rohl believes is reasonable to transform the struggling squad.

Although deftly sidestepping a specific response that could bring future pressure, Rohl's message was quite clear.

"With hope very quickly," he stated. "That is crucial.
"In this business you have limited opportunity. One can talk about future plans but it's understood it concerns the short-term and the short-term involves winning games. This is my requirement.
"One thing remains clear - I require all players to understand how we want to play. I return to my main message: it's winning, entertaining football and it's together. If you follow this order, I believe that I will remain very long here."

Expectations are Normal

Danny Rohl press conference

The previous manager needed a police escort to exit the stadium after his final match as manager.

We've witnessed how hostile environments can become at sports teams when results are poor. Protests have almost become a regular aspect of game day atmosphere on each part of the city currently.

As Rangers' youngest ever head coach, the question was posed about which attributes the coach thinks he has that would allow him to handle, never mind thrive, in among the most pressurized roles in British football?

"I think pressure in football are standard," he stated. "You must learn that rapidly.
"I think certain individuals might mention my age but I have been 16 years in this career. I experienced an excellent opportunity to work with the German club and be just the assistant manager, but I experienced the reality to be a head coach and the pressure involved.
"When you start getting results and then some critics will say you need to produce entertaining soccer. That's the next phase but that's exactly my intention. I relish those expectations and I'm excited about what's ahead."

The Sporting Director Explains Chermiti Signing & Appointing His Son

Kevin Thelwell media conference

The media pack had numerous questions from the media directed at Thelwell.

Much discussion has focused on the appointment of his son as recruitment chief, with supporters skeptical about his qualifications for the role.

Nevertheless, he defended and clarified the choice to bring Thelwell Jnr to Ibrox.

"It's always awkward to listen and optically I believe everyone understood when we made this step to appoint Robbie that he would be seen in a particular way," Thelwell stated.
"The truth of circumstances is that we aim to bring the top players to this club.
"My view on his professional path and situation is he didn't need family help in football.
"He's worked at Aston Villa as head scout, after which he joined Norwich as scouting chief and then got promoted to player pathways manager.
"Prior to our hiring him, multiple Premier League clubs sought to acquire him. Our approach from the start of proceedings was discuss with Patrick, the chairman and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe about this matter.
"I was highly open and I think Robbie probably underwent a stricter process than any other employee by the team.
"I'm certain is that he'll labor constantly to achieve success for Rangers and I anticipate seeing him demonstrating that he'll become a valuable staff member for Rangers."

Thelwell also defended the signing of striker Chermiti, who joined Rangers for an alleged initial fee of £8m, after failing to score in 24 appearances for Everton.

The sporting director who transferred the Portuguese young international to Liverpool from Sporting - again for large funds in a fifteen million pound deal.

He was asked if he stands by his multi-million pound purchase, who is yet to register in seven matches for Rangers.

"Absolutely, completely," Thelwell responded. "I believe Youssef Chermiti represents who's got great ability.
"I haven't doubted him in any way. Similarly, I think the manager will assist in maximize the potential out of Youssef.
"These are early days for him, he remains promising prospect and naturally with inexperienced players they occasionally take time.
"However, I'm convinced throughout of his career at the club he'll demonstrate that he's a highly capable player."

The CEO Understands Supporters' Frustration and Anger

The chief executive was facing firing line, considering the criticism that has been aimed his way by some club fans.

Additionally, there was a banner in the stadium during the recent tie with United suggesting him - and Thelwell - to depart before being removed for him.

Like his sporting director, the CEO did not evade the topic.

"I completely appreciate the frustration and anger that fans are feeling because results recently haven't met good enough and no one is satisfied with them," he stated.
"The hurt and disappointment fans experience is matched within the boardroom.
"Also understand that there has to be a channel for that dissatisfaction and in my role, I'm responsible.
"I'm a focal point for such issues and my role as a
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Deborah Powell

Astrophysicist and science communicator passionate about making space accessible to everyone.

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