Important Lessons from Danny Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Press Conference

Danny Rohl media conference

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

  • Published
    2 hours ago

Exactly 135 days following Russell Martin's first press conference as the club's head coach, successor Danny Rohl met with reporters at Ibrox for the first time.

The magnitude of the task facing him is widely recognized, given his predecessor's chaotic and unsuccessful 123-day spell.

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

However, what exactly was revealed from the 36-year-old German's first public appearance as the club's manager?

Rohl's Primary Focus - Victory is Everything

A single message came through loud and clear from the new coach's initial presentation before the local press - he understands the necessity to win matches, and achieve this rapidly.

His predecessor Martin lasted only 17 games and 123 days as manager, so the inquiry emerged about what timeframe the new man thinks is realistic to turn around the underperforming team.

While skillfully sidestepping a direct answer that might create future pressure, the coach's communication was very evident.

"Hopefully very quickly," he stated. "That is essential.
"In this business you have not much opportunity. One can talk about long-term vision but it's understood it's about the short-term and that period involves securing victories. This is my requirement.
"One thing remains obvious - I need every squad member to understand how we want to perform. I return to my main message: victory comes first, entertaining football and unity. If you follow this sequence, I'm convinced that I'll stay very long here."

Pressure is Normal

Danny Rohl press conference

Martin required security protection to leave the Falkirk Stadium after his last game in charge.

We've seen how hostile environments can become at football clubs when results decline. Protests have almost become a regular part of game day atmosphere on both sides of Glasgow these days.

As the club's most youthful ever head coach, the inquiry asked about which attributes the coach thinks he possesses that would enable him to cope, never mind thrive, in one of the most pressurized positions in UK soccer?

"In my opinion expectations in football is normal," he commented. "One needs to understand that very quickly.
"I believe certain individuals might mention my youth but I'm a decade and a half on this path. I experienced a great chance to work with Bayern Munich and be only an assistant manager, but I experienced what it means to be a head coach and the demands involved.
"You begin getting results and then certain people will say you need to produce entertaining soccer. That's the next phase but precisely my intention. I enjoy those expectations and I look forward about what's ahead."

Thelwell Defends Striker Acquisition & Appointing His Son

Kevin Thelwell media conference

The media pack had numerous inquiries from journalists for Thelwell.

Significant attention has concerned the hiring of his son as recruitment chief, with fans skeptical about his qualifications for the role.

However, he defended and explained the choice to recruit his son to Ibrox.

"It's always uncomfortable to listen and in appearance I believe everyone understood when we made this step to hire Robbie that he would be seen negatively," Thelwell stated.
"The truth of the situation is that we want to bring the top players here.
"My view on his professional path and background is he required no my assistance in football.
"He served at Villa as head scout, after which he joined Norwich City as scouting chief and then was elevated to player pathways manager.
"Before we recruited him, multiple Premier League teams sought to sign him. Our approach from the start of the process was consult with the CEO, Andrew and deputy chairman Paraag Marathe about this matter.
"I remained highly transparent and I think he likely underwent a stricter process than any other employee by the team.
"What I do know is that he'll labor constantly to be successful for this football club and I anticipate seeing him proving that he'll become a valuable staff member for the club."

Thelwell also defended the signing of forward Chermiti, who arrived at the club for an alleged first payment of eight million pounds, after failing to score in 24 games for his previous club.

It was Thelwell who brought the Portugal young international to Merseyside from Sporting - again for large funds in a fifteen million pound deal.

The question came if he supports his expensive signing, who is yet to register in seven outings for the club.

"Absolutely, very much so," Thelwell responded. "I believe Youssef Chermiti is a player who's possesses huge potential.
"I haven't doubted him whatsoever. Again, I believe the manager will assist in maximize the potential out of Youssef.
"It's very initial stages for the young player, he remains young talent and of course with young talents they occasionally require patience.
"However, I'm convinced over the course of his career here he's going to prove that he is very, very good player."

The CEO Understands Fan Disappointment and Hurt

The chief executive was facing scrutiny, considering the vitriol that has been directed his way by certain club fans.

Additionally, there was a sign in the Sandy Jardine stand during the last tie with Dundee United suggesting him - and Thelwell - to pack his bags before they were packed for him.

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

"I completely appreciate the disappointment and anger that the supporters are experiencing because results recently haven't met good enough and no one is satisfied with them," he said.
"The pain and frustration they feel is matched inside the leadership.
"Also understand that there has to be a channel for those frustrations and in my role, I'm responsible.
"I serve as focal point for those and my role as a
Benjamin Scott
Benjamin Scott

Elara is a passionate esports journalist and community manager with over 8 years of experience covering competitive gaming and tech trends across Europe.

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