Major Insights from Danny Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Media Unveiling
Rohl addressed journalists for approximately 30 minutes during his first media appearance
- Published2 hours ago
Nearly four and a half months following Russell Martin's first press conference as Rangers manager, his replacement Danny Rohl met with reporters at Rangers' stadium for the initial occasion.
The magnitude of the task ahead of him is widely recognized, considering Martin's turbulent and disappointing 123-day tenure.
The former Wednesday manager was accompanied by club chairman the chairman, along with the much-criticized duo of football director Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart.
But what precisely did we learn from the young German's maiden media outing as Rangers boss?
The Manager's Primary Focus - Winning Comes First
A single message came through clearly from Rohl's first appearance in front of the Scottish media - he recognizes the necessity to win matches, and achieve this quickly.
The previous manager Russell Martin managed just 17 matches and four months as manager, so the inquiry emerged about what timeframe the new man thinks is reasonable to turn around the struggling team.
Although deftly sidestepping a direct answer that might create future pressure, Rohl's communication was very evident.
"With hope very quickly," he stated. "This is essential.
"In this business you have limited time. You can discuss future plans but we know it concerns the short-term and that period involves securing victories. This is my requirement.
"Another aspect remains obvious - I require all players to comprehend our intended to perform. I return to my main message: victory comes first, entertaining football and unity. By following this order, I'm convinced that I will remain for years at the club."
Pressure is Normal
The previous manager needed a police escort to leave the Falkirk Stadium after his final match as manager.
We've witnessed how toxic environments can turn at football clubs when performances decline. Demonstrations have almost become an expected aspect of the matchday atmosphere on each part of the city currently.
As Rangers' youngest ever head coach, the question asked about which attributes Rohl believes he has that would enable him to cope, never mind excel, in among the most pressurized positions in British football?
"In my opinion expectations in this business is normal," he stated. "One needs to understand that rapidly.
"I think certain individuals might mention my age but I'm a decade and a half on this path. I had an excellent chance to work with Bayern Munich and serve as just the assistant manager, but I felt what it means to manage a team and the demands involved.
"When you start getting results and then some critics will say 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 about what's ahead."
The Sporting Director Defends Chermiti Signing & Hiring His Son
The media pack had plenty of questions from journalists directed at Thelwell.
Significant attention has focused on the hiring of Robbie Thelwell as recruitment chief, with supporters skeptical about his credentials for the position.
However, he defended and clarified the choice to bring Thelwell Jnr to Ibrox.
"It remains uncomfortable to hear and in appearance I think we all agreed when we made this decision to appoint him that he would be viewed in a particular way," Thelwell said.
"The reality of the situation is that we want to bring the top talent here.
"My view on his professional path and background is he required no family help in soccer.
"He served at Aston Villa as head scout, he then joined Norwich as scouting chief and then got promoted to player pathways manager.
"Prior to our recruited him, two Premier League teams wanted to acquire him. What we did from the start of the process was discuss with Patrick, the chairman and deputy chairman Paraag Marathe about this situation.
"I was extremely transparent and I believe Robbie probably experienced a stricter process than any other employee by this football club.
"What I do know is that he'll labor constantly to be successful for this football club and I anticipate to him demonstrating that he's going to be a valuable employee for the club."
Thelwell also defended the acquisition of forward Youssef Chermiti, who joined the club for a reported initial fee of £8m, having failed to find the net in 24 games for Everton.
It was Thelwell who transferred the Portuguese youth international to Merseyside from Sporting - once more for significant money in a £15m deal.
He was asked if he stands by his multi-million pound signing, who is yet to register in seven outings for Rangers.
"Absolutely, completely," Thelwell responded. "I believe the striker is a player who's got great ability.
"I've never questioned him whatsoever. Again, I believe the manager will help to maximize the potential out of Youssef.
"It's very initial stages for the young player, he's a young talent and of course with young talents they sometimes require patience.
"However, I'm convinced over the course of his time at the club he's going to prove that he's a highly capable player."
The CEO Understands Supporters' Disappointment and Hurt
The chief executive was facing firing line, given the criticism that has been directed his way by certain club fans.
Additionally, there was a sign in the stadium during the last draw with United suggesting Stewart - and Thelwell - to pack his bags before being removed for them.
Like his sporting director, the CEO did not avoid the issue.
"I completely understand the disappointment and anger that the supporters are experiencing because results recently haven't met expectations and nobody's happy with them," he stated.
"The hurt and frustration fans experience is matched inside the leadership.
"Recognize that there has to be an outlet for that dissatisfaction and as chief executive, that's me.
"I'm a lightning rod for those and my role as a