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Important Lessons from Danny Rohl's Rangers Introduction

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl spoke to the media for approximately 30 minutes during his introductory press conference

  • Published
    2 hours ago

Exactly 135 days after Russell Martin's first press conference as the club's manager, successor the German coach faced reporters at Rangers' stadium for the initial occasion.

The scale of the challenge ahead of him is well known, given his predecessor's turbulent and disappointing 123-day spell.

The ex- Wednesday boss was accompanied by chairman Andrew Cavenagh, along with the frequently questioned duo of football director Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart.

However, 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 first appearance in front of the Scottish media - he understands the need to win matches, and do so rapidly.

The previous manager Martin lasted only 17 matches and 123 days in charge, so the inquiry emerged about how long the new man believes is reasonable to turn around the struggling team.

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

"With hope very quickly," he said. "That is crucial.
"In this business you have limited time. One can talk about future plans but we know it's about the short-term and the short-term involves winning games. That is what I demand.
"One thing remains obvious - I need all players to understand how we want to play. I come back to my main message: victory comes first, it's attractive and it's together. By following this order, I believe that I'll stay for years at the club."

Expectations are Standard

Danny Rohl press conference

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

We've seen how hostile environments can become at football clubs when performances decline. Protests have nearly become an expected part of the matchday atmosphere on both sides of the city these days.

As Rangers' youngest manager in history, the inquiry asked about which attributes Rohl believes he has that would allow him to handle, let alone thrive, in among the most pressurized roles in UK soccer?

"In my opinion pressure in football are standard," he commented. "One needs to understand that rapidly.
"I think some people could reference my age but I'm a decade and a half in this career. I experienced a great chance to work with Bayern Munich and be only an assistant manager, but I felt what it means to be a head coach and the pressure you face.
"You begin winning games and then certain people will say you need to produce entertaining soccer. That becomes the stage but that's exactly my intention. I enjoy those expectations and I look forward about the future."

Thelwell Defends Chermiti Signing & Hiring Family Member

Kevin Thelwell media conference

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

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

However, he justified and explained the choice to recruit Thelwell Jnr to the club.

"It remains uncomfortable to hear and in appearance I believe we all agreed when we made this step to appoint him that he'd be seen negatively," Thelwell stated.
"The truth of the situation is that we want to bring the very best talent to this club.
"My perspective on Robbie's career and situation is he didn't need my assistance in football.
"He's worked at Aston Villa as a senior scout, he then moved to Norwich as scouting chief and then was elevated to development role.
"Prior to our recruited him, two Premier League teams sought to acquire him. Our approach from the start of the process was discuss with the CEO, the chairman and deputy chairman Paraag Marathe about this matter.
"I remained highly open and I think Robbie probably experienced a stricter procedure than anybody else who's employed by this football club.
"What I do know is that he'll labor constantly to achieve success for Rangers and I anticipate seeing him demonstrating that he'll become an excellent staff member for the club."

Additionally, Thelwell supported the signing of striker Youssef Chermiti, who arrived at the club for an alleged initial fee of eight million pounds, after failing to find the net in 24 appearances for his previous club.

The sporting director who brought the Portugal young international to Merseyside from Sporting - again for large funds in a £15m transfer.

He was asked if he stands by his expensive signing, who hasn't yet score in seven matches for Rangers.

"Yes, completely," Thelwell answered. "I believe Youssef Chermiti is a player who's got huge potential.
"I've never questioned him in any way. Again, I believe Danny will help to get the best out of Youssef.
"These are initial stages for the young player, he's a young talent and of course with young talents they occasionally require patience.
"However, I'm convinced throughout of his time at the club he's going to prove that he's a very, very good player."

The CEO Acknowledges Supporters' Disappointment and Anger

The chief executive was facing scrutiny, given the criticism that has been aimed at him by certain of the club's fans.

Additionally, there was a banner in the Sandy Jardine stand during the last draw with United suggesting Stewart - and Thelwell - to pack his bags before being removed for him.

Like his football director, the CEO did not avoid the issue.

"I totally appreciate the disappointment and hurt that fans are feeling because performances recently haven't been expectations and no one is satisfied with those," he stated.
"The hurt and frustration they feel is matched within the leadership.
"Also understand that there must exist an outlet for that dissatisfaction and as chief executive, I'm responsible.
"I'm a focal point for those and my role as a
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About the author

Amanda Gonzalez

Elena Vance is a business strategist with over a decade of experience in helping startups scale, specializing in digital transformation and market analysis.

United Flow UK

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