Important Lessons from Danny Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Media Unveiling
Rohl addressed the media for around 30 minutes during his introductory press conference
- Published2 hours ago
Exactly four and a half months after the previous coach's first press conference as Rangers manager, his replacement the German coach met with the media at Ibrox for the initial occasion.
The magnitude of the task facing him is well known, given his predecessor's turbulent and unsuccessful 123-day tenure.
The former Sheffield Wednesday boss was accompanied by club chairman Andrew Cavenagh, along with the frequently questioned duo of sporting director Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart.
However, what exactly was revealed from the 36-year-old German's first public appearance as the club's manager?
The Manager's Primary Focus - Winning is Everything
One thing came through loud and clear from the new coach's first appearance before the Scottish media - he recognizes the necessity to win matches, and do so quickly.
The previous manager Russell Martin managed just 17 games and 123 days as manager, so the inquiry arose about what timeframe the new man thinks is realistic to turn around the underperforming squad.
Although deftly sidestepping a direct answer that could bring later expectations, the coach's message was very evident.
"Hopefully as soon as possible," he stated. "This is crucial.
"In football you have limited opportunity. One can talk about long-term vision but we know it's about the short-term and that period involves securing victories. That is what I demand.
"Another aspect remains clear - I require all players to comprehend how we want to play. I come back to my main message: it's winning, it's attractive and it's together. If you follow this sequence, I'm convinced that I'll stay for years here."
Pressure is Standard
The previous manager needed security protection to leave the stadium after his final game in charge.
We've witnessed how toxic environments can become at sports teams when performances decline. Demonstrations have almost become an expected aspect of game day experience on both sides of Glasgow these days.
As Rangers' youngest manager in history, the inquiry asked about which attributes the coach thinks he has that would allow him to handle, let alone thrive, in among the highest-pressure positions in UK soccer?
"In my opinion pressure in football is normal," he commented. "One needs to understand that very quickly.
"I believe certain individuals could reference my youth but I'm 16 years on this path. I experienced a great opportunity to work with the German club and be just the assistant coach, but I experienced what it means to manage a team and the demands involved.
"You begin winning games and then certain people claim you must produce entertaining football. That becomes the phase but precisely my intention. I enjoy those expectations and I look forward for the future."
Thelwell Explains Striker Acquisition & Hiring His Son
The media pack had plenty of questions from the media for Thelwell.
Significant attention has focused on the hiring of Robbie Thelwell as recruitment chief, with fans skeptical about his credentials for the role.
Nevertheless, he justified and explained the decision to bring his son to the club.
"It remains uncomfortable to hear and optically I believe everyone understood when we took this decision to hire him that he'd be seen in a particular way," Thelwell stated.
"The truth of circumstances is that we aim to bring the top players to this club.
"My perspective on Robbie's career and situation is he required no my assistance in soccer.
"He's worked at Aston Villa as a senior scout, he then joined Norwich as scouting chief and then got promoted to development role.
"Before we hiring him, multiple Premier League teams sought to sign him. What we did from the beginning of the process was consult with the CEO, Andrew and vice-chairman Marathe about this situation.
"I was highly transparent and I believe Robbie probably experienced a stricter process than any other who's employed by this football club.
"What I do know is that he will work 25/8 to be successful 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 signing of striker Chermiti, who arrived at Rangers for an alleged first payment of eight million pounds, after failing to find the net in 24 games for Everton.
The sporting director who brought the Portuguese youth international to Liverpool from Sporting - again for significant money in a £15m transfer.
The question came if he supports his multi-million pound signing, who hasn't yet score in seven matches for the club.
"Yes, very much so," Thelwell answered. "I think Youssef Chermiti is a player who's possesses huge potential.
"I haven't questioned him in any way. Similarly, I think the manager will assist in maximize the potential out of Youssef.
"It's very early days for him, he's a promising prospect and of course with young talents they sometimes take time.
"But I'm certain over the course of his career at the club he'll demonstrate that he's a highly capable footballer."
The CEO Acknowledges Fan Frustration and Hurt
Stewart was also in the media scrutiny, considering the criticism that has been aimed his way by some of the club's own supporters.
Additionally, there was a sign in the Sandy Jardine stand during the recent draw with Dundee United inviting Stewart - and the sporting director - to depart before being removed for him.
Similar to the football director, Stewart didn't evade the issue.
"I completely appreciate the disappointment and anger that the supporters are experiencing because performances recently haven't been good enough and no one is happy with those," he said.
"The pain and disappointment fans experience is matched within the leadership.
"Recognize that there must exist a channel for those frustrations and as chief executive, that's me.
"I serve as focal point for those and my role as a