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Key Takeaways from Danny Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Introduction

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl spoke to journalists for around 30 minutes during his first media appearance

  • Published
    2 hours ago

Nearly 135 days after the previous coach's first press conference as Rangers manager, successor the German coach faced the media at Rangers' stadium for the initial occasion.

The magnitude of the challenge ahead of him is well known, given Martin's chaotic and disappointing four-month tenure.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss was accompanied by chairman Andrew Cavenagh, along with the much-criticized pair of sporting director Thelwell and CEO Stewart.

But what precisely did we learn from the 36-year-old coach's maiden media outing as Rangers boss?

Rohl's Main Priority - Winning Comes First

A single message came through clearly from Rohl's initial presentation in front of the Scottish media - he recognizes the necessity to secure victories, and achieve this rapidly.

His predecessor Russell Martin lasted only 17 games and 123 days in charge, so the inquiry arose about how long Rohl believes is realistic to transform the struggling squad.

While skillfully avoiding a direct answer that might create later expectations, the coach's message was quite clear.

"With hope as soon as possible," he stated. "This is essential.
"In this business you have not much opportunity. One can talk about long-term vision but it's understood it concerns the short-term and that period involves winning games. That is what I demand.
"One thing remains clear - I require every squad member to understand how we want to perform. I come back to my main theme: victory comes first, it's attractive and unity. By following this order, I'm convinced that I will remain very long at the club."

Expectations are Normal

Danny Rohl press conference

The previous manager needed a police escort to leave the Falkirk Stadium after his last game in charge.

We've witnessed how hostile environments can turn at football clubs when results are poor. Protests have almost become a regular part of game day atmosphere on each part of Glasgow currently.

As the club's most youthful manager in history, the inquiry was posed about which attributes the coach thinks he possesses that would enable him to handle, let alone thrive, in one of the highest-pressure roles in UK soccer?

"In my opinion pressure in this business is normal," he stated. "You must learn that very quickly.
"I believe some people might mention my youth but I have been 16 years on this path. I experienced a great chance to work with the German club and be just the assistant manager, but I felt what it means to manage a team and the pressure you face.
"You begin getting results and then some critics will say you must play attractive soccer. That's the next phase but that's exactly my intention. I relish those expectations and I'm excited for what's ahead."

The Sporting Director Explains Striker Acquisition & Appointing Family Member

Kevin Thelwell media conference

There were numerous inquiries from journalists for Thelwell.

Much discussion has focused on the hiring of Robbie Thelwell as head of recruitment, with supporters skeptical about his qualifications for the position.

Nevertheless, he justified and explained the choice to bring his son to the club.

"It remains uncomfortable to hear and optically I think we all agreed when we took this decision to hire Robbie that he would be viewed negatively," Thelwell said.
"The truth of circumstances is that we want to bring the very best talent to this club.
"My perspective on his professional path and situation is he required no my assistance in soccer.
"He's worked at Villa as a senior scout, after which he moved to Norwich City as scouting chief and then was elevated to development role.
"Before we recruited him, multiple top division teams sought to acquire him. Our approach right at the beginning of the process was discuss with the CEO, the chairman and deputy chairman Marathe about this matter.
"I remained highly transparent and I think Robbie probably underwent a more rigorous procedure than any other who's employed by this football club.
"What I do know is that he'll labor constantly to be successful for Rangers and I'm looking forward seeing him demonstrating that he'll become a valuable employee for the club."

Thelwell also defended the signing of striker Youssef Chermiti, who joined Rangers for an alleged first payment of £8m, after failing to find the net in 24 games for Everton.

The sporting director who transferred the Portugal young international to Liverpool from Sporting - once more for significant money in a £15m deal.

The question came if he stands by his multi-million pound signing, who is yet to register in seven outings for Rangers.

"Absolutely, very much so," Thelwell answered. "I think the striker is a player who's got great ability.
"I've never doubted him whatsoever. Similarly, I think the manager will help to get the best out of Youssef.
"It's very early days for him, he's a promising prospect and of course with young talents they occasionally require patience.
"However, I'm convinced over the course of his time at the club he's going to prove that he's a highly capable player."

Stewart Acknowledges Supporters' Frustration and Anger

Stewart was also facing firing line, given the criticism that has been directed at him by certain of the club's fans.

Additionally, there was a banner in the stadium during the recent draw with Dundee United inviting Stewart - and the sporting director - to depart before they were packed for them.

Like his sporting director, Stewart didn't evade the topic.

"I totally appreciate the frustration and anger that fans are experiencing because results this season haven't been good enough and nobody's satisfied with those," he stated.
"The pain and frustration fans experience is matched inside the leadership.
"Recognize that there must exist a channel for that dissatisfaction and as chief executive, that's me.
"I serve as focal point for such issues and my responsibility as a
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Madison Hall

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering digital innovations and cybersecurity trends across Europe.

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