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Major Insights from Rohl's Rangers Media Unveiling

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl spoke to journalists for approximately half an hour during his first media appearance

  • Published
    2 hours ago

Exactly 135 days following the previous coach's initial media briefing as the club's head coach, his replacement the German coach faced reporters at Rangers' stadium for the first time.

The magnitude of the challenge facing him is well known, considering Martin's turbulent and disappointing 123-day tenure.

The former Wednesday boss was joined by club chairman Andrew Cavenagh, along with the frequently questioned duo of football director Kevin Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart.

However, what precisely did we learn from the 36-year-old German's first public appearance as Rangers boss?

The Manager's Main Priority - Winning Comes First

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

His predecessor Russell Martin lasted only 17 matches and four months in charge, so the inquiry arose about what timeframe the new man thinks is realistic to transform the underperforming team.

Although deftly avoiding a specific response that might create future pressure, Rohl's message was very evident.

"With hope as soon as possible," he stated. "This is essential.
"In football you have not much opportunity. You can discuss future plans but it's understood it concerns immediate results and the short-term is about securing victories. This is what I demand.
"One thing is also clear - I require every squad member to understand our intended to perform. I come back to my primary message: victory comes first, it's attractive and unity. If you follow this order, I believe that I will remain for years here."

Expectations are Normal

Danny Rohl press conference

Martin required a police escort to exit the stadium after his last game in charge.

We've witnessed how toxic environments can turn at sports teams when performances decline. Demonstrations have nearly become a regular aspect of the matchday atmosphere on both sides of the city currently.

As the club's most youthful manager in history, the inquiry asked about what qualities the coach thinks he has that would enable him to handle, never mind thrive, in one of the highest-pressure positions in UK soccer?

"In my opinion expectations in football are standard," he commented. "One needs to understand that very quickly.
"I believe certain individuals might mention my age but I have been a decade and a half in this career. I had an excellent chance to be at the German club and be only an assistant manager, but I experienced the reality to be a head coach and the demands involved.
"When you start getting results and then some critics claim you need to produce entertaining soccer. That's the next phase but precisely what I want. I relish those expectations and I look forward about the future."

Thelwell Explains Striker Acquisition & Hiring His Son

Kevin Thelwell media conference

There were numerous inquiries from journalists directed at Thelwell.

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

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

"It's always uncomfortable to listen and optically I believe we all agreed when we took this decision to hire him that he would be seen in a particular way," Thelwell stated.
"The truth of the situation is that we aim to bring the top players here.
"My perspective on his professional path and background is he didn't need family help in soccer.
"He's worked at Villa as head scout, he then joined Norwich as scouting chief and then was elevated to development role.
"Prior to our hiring him, multiple top division clubs wanted to acquire him. Our approach right at the beginning of the process was discuss with Patrick, Andrew and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe about this situation.
"I was extremely open and I believe he likely experienced a stricter process than anybody else employee by the team.
"I'm certain is that he will work constantly to achieve success for Rangers and I anticipate seeing him proving that he's going to be an excellent staff member for the club."

Thelwell also supported the signing of forward 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 Portuguese young international to Liverpool from Sporting Lisbon - once more for significant money in a fifteen million pound deal.

The question came if he supports his multi-million pound signing, who is yet to score in seven matches for the club.

"Absolutely, completely," Thelwell answered. "I think Youssef Chermiti represents who's got huge potential.
"I haven't questioned him in any way. Again, I believe Danny will help to get the best out of the player.
"These are early days for the young player, he's a young talent and naturally with young talents they sometimes take time.
"However, I'm convinced throughout of his time here he'll demonstrate that he's a very, very good player."

Stewart Acknowledges Fan Frustration and Anger

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

There was even a sign in the Sandy Jardine stand during the last tie with Dundee United suggesting him - and the sporting director - to pack his bags before being removed for them.

Similar to the football director, the CEO did not evade the topic.

"I completely understand the frustration and hurt that the supporters 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 mirrored inside the leadership.
"Recognize that there has to be an outlet for that dissatisfaction and in my role, that's me.
"I serve as lightning rod for those and my responsibility as a
About the author

Keith Wallace

Tech journalist and digital lifestyle expert with over a decade of experience covering consumer electronics and emerging technologies.

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