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Major Insights from Rohl's Rangers Press Conference

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl addressed journalists for approximately 30 minutes during his first press conference

  • Published
    2 hours ago

Exactly four and a half months after the previous coach's initial media briefing as the club's manager, his replacement Danny Rohl met with the media at Rangers' stadium for the first time.

The scale of the challenge facing him is well known, given Martin's chaotic and disappointing 123-day tenure.

The ex- Wednesday boss was joined by club chairman Andrew Cavenagh, along with the much-criticized pair of football director Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart.

However, what precisely was revealed from the young coach's first public appearance as the club's manager?

Rohl's Main Priority - Winning Comes First

A single message came through clearly from the new coach's first appearance in front of the local press - he understands the necessity to secure victories, and do so rapidly.

The previous manager Martin managed just 17 games and 123 days in charge, so the inquiry emerged about how long the new man thinks is reasonable to transform the struggling squad.

Although deftly avoiding a direct answer that could bring later expectations, the coach's communication was very evident.

"With hope very quickly," he stated. "That is essential.
"In football you have not much time. One can talk about long-term vision but we know it's about the short-term and that period involves winning games. This is what I demand.
"One thing remains clear - I require every squad member to understand how we want to play. I return to my primary theme: victory comes first, entertaining football and it's together. If you follow this order, I believe that I will remain for years here."

Pressure is Normal

Danny Rohl press conference

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

We've seen how hostile situations can become at football clubs when performances decline. Protests have almost become an expected part of game day experience on both sides of the city currently.

As Rangers' youngest manager in history, the question was posed about what qualities the coach thinks he possesses that would allow him to handle, never mind excel, in one of the most pressurized positions in UK soccer?

"In my opinion pressure in this business is normal," he commented. "One needs to understand that very quickly.
"I think certain individuals could reference my youth but I'm a decade and a half on this path. I had an excellent chance to work with the German club and be only an assistant coach, but I felt what it means to be a head coach and the demands involved.
"When you start winning games and then some critics claim you must produce entertaining football. That's the next phase but that's exactly what I want. I relish those expectations and I'm excited for what's ahead."

The Sporting Director Explains Chermiti Signing & Hiring His Son

Kevin Thelwell media conference

The media pack had numerous questions from the media for Thelwell.

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

Nevertheless, he defended and clarified the choice to recruit his son to the club.

"It remains awkward to hear and in appearance I believe we all agreed when we made this decision to hire him that he'd be viewed negatively," Thelwell stated.
"The reality of the situation is that we aim to attract the very best talent to this club.
"My perspective on Robbie's career and situation is he required no family help in football.
"He's worked at Aston Villa as a senior scout, he then joined Norwich as scouting chief and then got promoted to player pathways manager.
"Before we recruited him, two Premier League teams sought to sign him. What we did from the start of proceedings was consult with the CEO, Andrew and deputy chairman Marathe about this situation.
"I was highly open and I believe he likely underwent a stricter process than anybody else employee by the team.
"What I do know is that he'll labor 25/8 to be successful for Rangers and I'm looking forward to him proving that he's going to be an excellent staff member for Rangers."

Additionally, Thelwell defended the signing of striker Chermiti, who arrived at the club for a reported initial fee of £8m, after failing to score in 24 appearances for his previous club.

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

He was asked if he supports his multi-million pound signing, who is yet to score 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 whatsoever. Similarly, I think the manager will assist in get the best out of the player.
"It's very initial stages for the young player, he's a promising prospect and naturally with inexperienced players they occasionally take time.
"But I'm certain throughout of his time at the club he's going to prove that he's a highly capable footballer."

The CEO Acknowledges Supporters' Disappointment and Hurt

Stewart was also facing firing line, considering the criticism that has been aimed at him by some club fans.

There was even a sign in the stadium during the last tie with United inviting Stewart - and Thelwell - to pack his bags before being removed for them.

Similar to the sporting director, the CEO did not avoid the topic.

"I totally appreciate the disappointment and anger that the supporters are feeling because performances this season haven't been good enough and nobody's happy with them," he stated.
"The hurt and frustration they feel is mirrored inside the boardroom.
"Recognize that there must exist an outlet for that dissatisfaction and in my role, that's me.
"I serve as lightning rod for those and my responsibility as a
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About the author

Adam Bell

A seasoned music journalist and audio engineer with over a decade of experience covering the UK music scene and testing high-end audio equipment.

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