Key Takeaways from Danny Rohl's Rangers Press Conference
Rohl addressed journalists for around half an hour during his introductory media appearance
- Published2 hours ago
Exactly four and a half months following Russell Martin's initial media briefing as the club's manager, his replacement the German coach faced the media at Rangers' stadium for the first time.
The scale of the challenge ahead of him is well known, given his predecessor's turbulent and unsuccessful 123-day spell.
The ex- Wednesday boss was accompanied by chairman Andrew Cavenagh, along with the much-criticized pair of sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Stewart.
But what precisely did we learn from the 36-year-old German's first public appearance as Rangers boss?
The Manager's Primary Focus - Winning Comes First
A single message emerged loud and clear from Rohl's first appearance in front of the local press - he understands the necessity to secure victories, and do so quickly.
The previous manager Martin lasted only 17 games and 123 days as manager, so the inquiry arose about what timeframe the new man believes is reasonable to transform the underperforming squad.
Although deftly sidestepping a direct answer that could bring later expectations, Rohl's communication was very evident.
"With hope very quickly," he said. "This is essential.
"In this business you have limited time. One can talk about future plans but we know it concerns immediate results and the short-term is about winning games. That is my requirement.
"Another aspect remains obvious - I need every squad member to understand our intended to play. I come back to my primary message: victory comes first, entertaining football and unity. By following this sequence, I believe that I'll stay for years at the club."
Pressure is Normal
Martin required security protection to leave the stadium after his final game in charge.
We've witnessed how toxic situations can become at sports teams when results decline. Protests have almost become a regular aspect of the matchday atmosphere on both sides of the city these days.
As the club's most youthful manager in history, the question asked about what qualities the coach thinks he has that would enable him to handle, never mind thrive, in among the most pressurized positions in UK soccer?
"I think pressure in this business is normal," he stated. "You must learn that rapidly.
"I think certain individuals might mention my youth but I have been a decade and a half on this path. I experienced an excellent chance to work with Bayern Munich and serve as only an assistant coach, but I experienced the reality to manage a team and the pressure you face.
"You begin winning games and then some critics will say you need to produce entertaining soccer. That becomes the phase but that's exactly what I want. I relish those expectations and I look forward for the future."
Thelwell Defends Striker Acquisition & Appointing His Son
The media pack had plenty of questions from the media for Thelwell.
Much discussion has focused on the appointment of Robbie Thelwell as head of recruitment, with supporters skeptical about his qualifications for the position.
Nevertheless, he justified and clarified the decision to recruit Thelwell Jnr to Ibrox.
"It's always awkward to hear and optically I think we all agreed when we made this step to hire Robbie that he'd be viewed negatively," Thelwell stated.
"The reality of the situation is that we aim to attract the very best players to this club.
"My perspective on his professional path and situation is he required no my assistance in soccer.
"He's worked at Villa as a senior scout, after which he moved to Norwich City as head of scouting and then got promoted to development role.
"Before we recruited him, two top division clubs sought to sign him. Our approach from the start of the process was discuss with Patrick, the chairman and deputy chairman Marathe about this situation.
"I remained highly open and I think he likely experienced a stricter process than any other employee by the team.
"I'm certain 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 employee for Rangers."
Thelwell also supported the acquisition of striker Chermiti, who joined the club for a reported first payment of eight million pounds, after failing to score in 24 games for his previous club.
The sporting director who brought the Portugal young international to Merseyside from Sporting Lisbon - again for significant money in a fifteen million pound deal.
He was asked if he stands by his multi-million pound signing, who is yet to register in seven matches for Rangers.
"Yes, completely," Thelwell responded. "I believe the striker is a player who's possesses huge potential.
"I haven't questioned him in any way. Again, I think Danny 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 inexperienced players they occasionally take time.
"But I'm certain over the course of his career at the club he's going to prove that he is very, very good player."
Stewart Understands Fan Disappointment and Anger
The chief executive was in the media firing line, considering the vitriol that has been aimed at him by certain club own supporters.
Additionally, there was a sign in the stadium during the last draw with Dundee United suggesting him - and Thelwell - to pack his bags before they were packed for him.
Similar to the sporting director, the CEO did not avoid the issue.
"I completely understand the frustration and hurt that the supporters are experiencing because results this season haven't met expectations and nobody's satisfied with those," he said.
"The pain and disappointment they feel is matched within the leadership.
"Recognize that there has to be a channel for those frustrations and as chief executive, that's me.
"I'm a focal point for such issues and my responsibility as a