Key Takeaways from Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Introduction
Rohl addressed journalists for around half an hour during his first press conference
- Published2 hours ago
Exactly four and a half months after Russell Martin's initial media briefing as Rangers head coach, successor Danny Rohl met with reporters at Rangers' stadium for the initial occasion.
The magnitude of the task facing him is widely recognized, given Martin's turbulent and unsuccessful 123-day spell.
The ex- Sheffield Wednesday manager was accompanied by club chairman Andrew Cavenagh, along with the much-criticized pair of football director Kevin Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart.
However, what exactly was revealed from the 36-year-old coach's maiden media outing as Rangers boss?
Rohl's Main Priority - Victory Comes First
One thing came through clearly from Rohl's first appearance before the Scottish media - he understands the necessity to secure victories, and achieve this quickly.
His predecessor Russell Martin managed just 17 games and 123 days in charge, so the inquiry arose about how long Rohl thinks is realistic to turn around the underperforming squad.
Although deftly avoiding a direct answer that might create later expectations, the coach's communication was very evident.
"Hopefully as soon as possible," he stated. "This is essential.
"In football you have limited time. One can talk about long-term vision but we know it's about the short-term and the short-term involves winning games. That is what I demand.
"Another aspect is also obvious - I require all players to understand how we want to play. I come back to my main theme: victory comes first, entertaining football and it's together. If you follow this order, I believe that I will remain for years here."
Expectations are Standard
Martin required security protection to leave the stadium after his last game in charge.
We've seen how hostile environments can become at sports teams when performances are poor. Demonstrations have nearly become a regular aspect of game day atmosphere on both sides of the city currently.
As the club's most youthful manager in history, the question asked about what qualities Rohl believes he possesses that would allow him to handle, let alone excel, in among the most pressurized positions in UK soccer?
"I think pressure in football is normal," he stated. "You must learn that very quickly.
"I believe certain individuals could reference my age but I have been 16 years in this career. I experienced a great chance to work with Bayern Munich and be only an assistant coach, but I felt the reality to manage a team and the pressure involved.
"When you start getting results and then some critics will say you need to play attractive soccer. That's the next phase but that's exactly what I want. I enjoy that challenge and I'm excited about what's ahead."
Thelwell Defends Striker Acquisition & Hiring His Son
The media pack had plenty of inquiries from the media for Thelwell.
Much discussion has focused on the hiring of Robbie Thelwell as recruitment chief, with supporters skeptical about his credentials for the role.
However, he justified and clarified the choice to bring his son to Ibrox.
"It remains awkward to listen and in appearance I think we all agreed when we made this step to hire him that he'd be seen negatively," Thelwell said.
"The truth of the situation is that we want to bring the very best players to this club.
"My perspective on his professional path and situation is he didn't need family help in football.
"He's worked at Villa as head scout, he then moved to Norwich as scouting chief and then got promoted to development role.
"Before we recruited him, two top division teams wanted to acquire him. Our approach right at the start of proceedings was discuss with the CEO, the chairman and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe about this matter.
"I remained highly open and I think Robbie probably experienced a more rigorous procedure than any other who's employed by this football club.
"What I do know is that he'll labor constantly to be successful for Rangers and I'm looking forward to him proving that he's going to be a valuable employee for Rangers."
Additionally, Thelwell defended the acquisition of striker Youssef Chermiti, who arrived at the club for a reported first payment of eight million pounds, after failing to find the net in 24 games for his previous club.
It was Thelwell who transferred the Portuguese young international to Liverpool from Sporting - again for significant money in a £15m transfer.
He was asked if he supports his multi-million pound signing, who is yet to register in seven outings for the club.
"Absolutely, completely," Thelwell answered. "I think the striker is a player who's got huge potential.
"I haven't questioned him whatsoever. Again, I think Danny will assist in maximize the potential out of the player.
"It's very initial stages for the young player, he's a young talent and of course with young talents they occasionally take time.
"But I'm certain over the course of his career at the club he'll demonstrate that he's a highly capable player."
The CEO Acknowledges Fan Disappointment and Hurt
The chief executive was in the media firing line, given the criticism that has been directed at him by some club fans.
There was even a sign in the stadium during the last tie with United suggesting him - and the sporting director - to pack his bags before they were packed for them.
Like his football director, the CEO did not avoid the issue.
"I totally understand the frustration and hurt that fans are experiencing because results recently haven't met good enough and no one is happy with those," he stated.
"The hurt and disappointment fans experience is matched within the boardroom.
"Recognize that there has to be an outlet for that dissatisfaction and in my role, that's me.
"I'm a focal point for such issues and my role as a