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Key Takeaways from Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Media Unveiling

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl spoke to journalists for around 30 minutes during his first press conference

  • Published
    2 hours ago

Exactly four and a half months after Russell Martin's initial media briefing as Rangers manager, his replacement the German coach faced the media at Ibrox for the initial occasion.

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

The former Wednesday boss was accompanied by chairman Andrew Cavenagh, along with the much-criticized duo of football director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart.

However, what precisely was revealed from the young German's first public appearance as Rangers boss?

Rohl's Primary Focus - Winning is Everything

One thing came through clearly from the new coach's first appearance in front of the local press - he understands the need to win matches, and do so quickly.

The previous manager Martin managed just 17 games and four months as manager, so the inquiry arose about how long Rohl thinks is reasonable to turn around the underperforming team.

While skillfully avoiding a specific response that could bring later expectations, Rohl's communication was quite clear.

"With hope very quickly," he said. "That is crucial.
"In football you have not much opportunity. One can talk about long-term vision but we know it concerns immediate results and that period is about winning games. This is what I demand.
"One thing is also clear - I need all players to comprehend our intended to play. I return to my main message: it's winning, it's attractive and unity. By following this sequence, I'm convinced that I'll stay very long at the club."

Pressure is Normal

Danny Rohl press conference

The previous manager needed a police escort to leave the Falkirk Stadium after his last match as manager.

We've witnessed how hostile situations can turn at sports teams when results are poor. Protests have nearly become a regular part of the matchday atmosphere on each part of the city these days.

As the club's most youthful manager in history, the question asked about which attributes the coach thinks he has that would enable him to handle, let alone thrive, in among the highest-pressure positions in British football?

"In my opinion expectations in this business are standard," he commented. "You must learn that very quickly.
"I think certain individuals could reference my age but I'm a decade and a half in this career. I had an excellent chance to be at Bayern Munich and serve as only an assistant manager, but I experienced the reality to be a head coach and the pressure you face.
"When you start getting results and then certain people will say you must play attractive football. That's the next phase but that's exactly my intention. I relish that challenge and I look forward about the future."

The Sporting Director Defends Chermiti Signing & Appointing His Son

Kevin Thelwell media conference

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

Significant attention has concerned the hiring of his son as head of recruitment, with supporters unconvinced about his credentials for the role.

Nevertheless, he defended and clarified the decision to bring Thelwell Jnr to the club.

"It remains awkward to listen and optically I believe we all agreed when we made this decision to appoint him that he'd be viewed in a particular way," Thelwell stated.
"The truth of the situation is that we want to bring the top players to this club.
"My view on his professional path and situation is he required no family help in soccer.
"He served at Aston Villa as a senior scout, he then joined Norwich as head of scouting and then was elevated to player pathways manager.
"Before we hiring him, two Premier League teams sought to sign him. What we did right at the beginning of proceedings was consult with Patrick, the chairman and deputy chairman Marathe about this matter.
"I was highly open and I believe he likely underwent a stricter procedure than anybody else employee by this football club.
"What I do know is that he'll labor 25/8 to achieve success for this football club and I anticipate to him proving that he'll become a valuable employee for the club."

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

It was Thelwell who brought the Portugal young international to Liverpool from Sporting Lisbon - once more for significant money in a £15m transfer.

The question came if he supports his multi-million pound signing, who hasn't yet register in seven matches for the club.

"Absolutely, completely," Thelwell answered. "I think the striker is a player who's got great ability.
"I've never questioned him in any way. Similarly, I believe the manager will assist in maximize the potential out of the player.
"These are initial stages for the young player, he's a young talent and of course with inexperienced players they sometimes take time.
"But I'm certain over the course of his career here he'll demonstrate that he's a very, very good footballer."

Stewart Acknowledges Fan Frustration and Anger

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

Additionally, there was a sign in the Sandy Jardine stand during the recent draw with United inviting Stewart - and the sporting director - to depart before being removed for them.

Similar to the sporting director, the CEO did not evade the issue.

"I completely appreciate the disappointment and hurt that fans are experiencing because performances this season haven't met expectations and nobody's happy with those," he said.
"The pain and frustration they feel is mirrored inside the leadership.
"Recognize that there must exist an outlet for those frustrations and in my role, that's me.
"I'm a lightning rod for such issues and my role as a
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About the author

Robert Davis

A UK-based parenting blogger and child development expert, sharing tips on family activities and children's entertainment.

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