Important Lessons from Danny Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Media Unveiling

Danny Rohl media conference

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

  • Published
    2 hours ago

Nearly 135 days following Russell Martin's initial media briefing as Rangers manager, successor Danny Rohl faced the media at Rangers' stadium for the first time.

The scale of the task facing him is widely recognized, given his predecessor's turbulent and disappointing four-month spell.

The ex- Sheffield Wednesday boss was accompanied by club chairman Andrew Cavenagh, along with the much-criticized duo of sporting director Thelwell and chief executive Stewart.

But what exactly did we learn from the young German's maiden media outing as the club's manager?

The Manager's Main Priority - Winning is Everything

One thing emerged loud and clear from the new coach's first appearance in front of the Scottish media - he understands the need to win matches, and do so quickly.

His predecessor Russell Martin lasted only 17 matches and 123 days as manager, so the inquiry emerged about how long the new man thinks is reasonable to transform the struggling squad.

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

"With hope as soon as possible," he stated. "This is essential.
"In this business you have not much opportunity. You can discuss long-term vision but we know it's about immediate results and that period is about securing victories. That is my requirement.
"Another aspect is also obvious - I require all players to understand how we want to perform. I return to my primary theme: it's winning, it's attractive and unity. By following this sequence, I'm convinced that I'll stay for years at the club."

Expectations are Standard

Danny Rohl press conference

Martin required a police escort to leave the Falkirk Stadium after his final game in charge.

We've witnessed how hostile environments can turn at football clubs when results decline. Demonstrations have almost become an expected aspect of the matchday experience on each part of Glasgow currently.

As the club's most youthful ever head coach, the inquiry asked about which attributes Rohl believes he has that would enable him to handle, let alone excel, in one of the most pressurized roles in British football?

"I think expectations in this business are standard," he stated. "One needs to understand that very quickly.
"I believe some people might mention my youth but I'm 16 years on this path. I experienced an excellent opportunity to work with the German club and serve as just the assistant coach, but I experienced what it means to manage a team and the pressure involved.
"When you start getting results and then certain people claim you need to produce entertaining soccer. That's the next phase but precisely my intention. I relish that challenge and I'm excited for the future."

Thelwell Explains Chermiti Signing & Appointing His Son

Kevin Thelwell media conference

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

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

However, he justified and clarified the choice to recruit his son to Ibrox.

"It's always awkward to hear and in appearance I think we all agreed when we made this step to appoint Robbie that he'd be seen in a particular way," Thelwell said.
"The truth of the situation is that we aim to attract the top players to this club.
"My view on Robbie's career and situation is he required no family help 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.
"Prior to our hiring him, multiple Premier League clubs sought to sign him. What we did from the beginning of proceedings was consult with the CEO, the chairman and deputy chairman Paraag Marathe about this situation.
"I remained extremely open and I believe Robbie probably experienced a stricter procedure than any other employee by this football club.
"What I do know is that he will work constantly to achieve success for this football club and I anticipate to him demonstrating that he's going to be an excellent employee for the club."

Thelwell also defended the acquisition of striker Youssef Chermiti, who arrived at the club for an alleged initial fee of eight million pounds, after failing to score in 24 appearances for his previous club.

It was Thelwell who transferred the Portugal young international to Merseyside from Sporting - once more for large funds in a fifteen million pound transfer.

He was asked if he stands by his multi-million pound purchase, who is yet to register in seven matches for Rangers.

"Yes, completely," Thelwell answered. "I believe Youssef Chermiti is a player who's got great ability.
"I haven't questioned 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's a promising prospect and of course with inexperienced players they occasionally require patience.
"But I'm certain throughout of his time at the club he's going to prove that he is highly capable footballer."

Stewart Understands Fan Frustration and Anger

Stewart was also in the media firing line, considering the criticism that has been directed his way by certain club own supporters.

There was even a banner in the stadium during the last tie with Dundee United inviting Stewart - and the sporting director - to depart before they were packed for him.

Similar to the sporting director, Stewart didn't evade the topic.

"I totally appreciate the disappointment and hurt that the supporters are experiencing because results this season haven't met expectations and nobody's happy with them," he stated.
"The hurt and disappointment fans experience is mirrored inside the boardroom.
"Recognize that there has to be an outlet for that dissatisfaction and as chief executive, that's me.
"I serve as focal point for those and my role as a
Crystal Gill
Crystal Gill

Elara Vance is a digital strategist and creative director with over a decade of experience in web design and brand development.