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Key Takeaways from Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Introduction

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl addressed the media for around 30 minutes during his introductory media appearance

  • Published
    2 hours ago

Nearly 135 days following Russell Martin's first press conference as Rangers head coach, his replacement the German coach faced the media at Rangers' stadium for the first time.

The scale of the challenge ahead of him is well known, considering his predecessor's turbulent and unsuccessful four-month tenure.

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

But what exactly did we learn from the 36-year-old coach's first public appearance as the club's manager?

Rohl's Main Priority - Winning Comes First

A single message emerged loud and clear from the new coach's initial presentation in front of the Scottish media - he recognizes the necessity to secure victories, and achieve this quickly.

His predecessor Russell Martin lasted only 17 games and four months as manager, so the question emerged about what timeframe the new man thinks is reasonable to transform the struggling team.

While skillfully avoiding a specific response that could bring later expectations, Rohl's message was quite clear.

"Hopefully very quickly," he stated. "That is crucial.
"In this business you have not much opportunity. You can discuss long-term vision but it's understood it concerns immediate results and the short-term is about winning games. This is my requirement.
"One thing is also obvious - I need all players to comprehend our intended to perform. I return to my main theme: it's winning, it's attractive and unity. By following this sequence, I'm convinced that I will remain for years here."

Expectations are Normal

Danny Rohl press conference

Martin required a police escort to exit the Falkirk Stadium after his final match as manager.

We've witnessed how toxic situations can become at football clubs when performances are poor. Protests have nearly become a regular aspect of game day atmosphere on both sides of Glasgow these days.

As Rangers' youngest ever head coach, the inquiry was posed about what qualities Rohl believes he possesses that would enable him to handle, let alone thrive, in one of the highest-pressure positions in British football?

"I think expectations in this business is normal," he commented. "You must learn that very quickly.
"I think some people might mention my youth but I'm a decade and a half in this career. I experienced a great chance to work with the German club and serve as only an assistant manager, but I experienced the reality to manage a team and the pressure you face.
"When you start winning games and then certain people will say you must play attractive soccer. That's the next phase but that's exactly what I want. I relish those expectations and I look forward for the future."

Thelwell Explains Striker Acquisition & Appointing His Son

Kevin Thelwell media conference

The media pack had plenty of questions from journalists directed at Thelwell.

Significant attention has concerned the appointment of Robbie Thelwell as head of recruitment, with supporters skeptical about his qualifications for the position.

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

"It remains awkward to listen and optically I believe everyone understood when we took this decision to hire him that he would be viewed in a particular way," Thelwell said.
"The truth of the situation is that we want to bring the very best talent here.
"My perspective on Robbie's career and situation is he didn't need family help in soccer.
"He's worked at Villa as head scout, he then moved to Norwich as head of scouting and then got promoted to development role.
"Prior to our hiring him, multiple Premier League clubs wanted to acquire him. Our approach from the start of proceedings was discuss with Patrick, the chairman and deputy chairman Marathe about this situation.
"I was highly open and I think Robbie probably underwent a more rigorous process than anybody else employee by the team.
"I'm certain is that he will work constantly to achieve success for this football club and I anticipate to him proving that he'll become an excellent staff member for the club."

Additionally, Thelwell supported the signing of striker Youssef Chermiti, who joined the club for a reported initial fee of eight million pounds, after failing to score in 24 games for Everton.

The sporting director who brought the Portugal youth international to Merseyside from Sporting Lisbon - once more for significant money in a fifteen million pound transfer.

He was asked if he supports his multi-million pound purchase, who is yet to score in seven matches for the club.

"Absolutely, very much so," Thelwell answered. "I think the striker is a player who's possesses huge potential.
"I haven't doubted him in any way. Again, I think Danny will assist in maximize the potential out of Youssef.
"It's very initial stages for the young player, he remains promising prospect and naturally with inexperienced players they occasionally require patience.
"But I'm certain over the course of his career here he's going to prove that he is very, very good footballer."

The CEO Acknowledges Fan Frustration and Anger

The chief executive was in the media firing line, considering the vitriol that has been aimed at him by certain club fans.

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

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

"I completely appreciate the frustration and anger that fans are experiencing because performances recently haven't been good enough and nobody's happy with those," he said.
"The pain and disappointment they feel is mirrored inside the boardroom.
"Recognize that there must exist a channel for those frustrations and in my role, that's me.
"I'm a focal point for those and my role as a
About the author

David Garcia

Award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience covering international politics and social justice issues.

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