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Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Future Growth

Key Takeaways from Rohl's Rangers Media Unveiling

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl addressed the media for around 30 minutes during his first press conference

  • Published
    2 hours ago

Exactly 135 days following Russell Martin's first press conference as Rangers head coach, successor the German coach met with reporters at Ibrox for the first time.

The scale of the challenge ahead of him is widely recognized, given his predecessor's chaotic and disappointing four-month tenure.

The former Wednesday manager was accompanied by chairman the chairman, along with the frequently questioned duo of sporting director Kevin Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart.

But what exactly was revealed from the young coach's maiden media outing as the club's manager?

The Manager's Primary Focus - Victory Comes First

One thing came through clearly from Rohl's initial presentation in front of the Scottish media - he recognizes the necessity to secure victories, and do so rapidly.

His predecessor Russell Martin lasted only 17 matches and four months as manager, so the inquiry arose about how long Rohl thinks is realistic to turn around the underperforming squad.

Although deftly sidestepping a specific response that could bring later expectations, the coach's communication was very evident.

"With hope very quickly," he stated. "That is essential.
"In this business you have limited opportunity. One can talk about future plans but we know it concerns the short-term and the short-term involves winning games. That is my requirement.
"Another aspect is also obvious - I need every squad member to comprehend our intended to play. I come back to my main theme: victory comes first, entertaining football and unity. If you follow this order, I believe that I will remain for years here."

Pressure is Normal

Danny Rohl press conference

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

We've seen how toxic environments can become at sports teams when performances decline. Protests have nearly become a regular aspect of game day atmosphere on both sides of the city these days.

As Rangers' youngest manager in history, the inquiry was posed about what qualities Rohl believes he has that would allow him to handle, never mind thrive, in one of the highest-pressure roles in British football?

"I think pressure in football are standard," he commented. "One needs to understand that rapidly.
"I believe certain individuals might mention my youth but I have been 16 years on this path. I had a great chance to be at the German club and be just the assistant coach, but I felt the reality to manage a team and the pressure you face.
"You begin getting results and then certain people will say you must produce entertaining football. That's the next phase but precisely my intention. I relish that challenge and I look forward for the future."

Thelwell Explains Chermiti Signing & Appointing His Son

Kevin Thelwell media conference

There were numerous questions from the media for Thelwell.

Significant attention has focused on the appointment of Robbie Thelwell as head of recruitment, with fans unconvinced about his qualifications for the role.

However, he defended and clarified the choice to recruit his son to the club.

"It remains awkward to listen and in appearance I believe we all agreed when we made this step to hire Robbie that he'd be viewed in a particular way," Thelwell said.
"The truth of the situation is that we aim to bring the very best players here.
"My perspective on Robbie's career and background is he didn't need my assistance in football.
"He served at Villa as head scout, after which he joined Norwich City as head of scouting and then was elevated to player pathways manager.
"Before we recruited him, two top division clubs wanted to sign him. What we did from the start of the process was discuss with the CEO, the chairman and deputy chairman Marathe about this situation.
"I remained extremely transparent and I think Robbie probably underwent a stricter process than any other who's employed by the team.
"What I do know is that he'll labor constantly to be successful for Rangers and I anticipate to him demonstrating that he'll become an excellent employee for the club."

Thelwell also defended the signing of striker Youssef Chermiti, who joined the club for an alleged initial fee of £8m, having failed to score in 24 games for his previous club.

The sporting director who transferred the Portugal youth international to Merseyside from Sporting Lisbon - again for significant money in a fifteen million pound transfer.

He was asked if he supports his multi-million pound purchase, who is yet to score in seven matches for Rangers.

"Yes, completely," Thelwell answered. "I think Youssef Chermiti is a player who's possesses huge potential.
"I haven't questioned him in any way. Similarly, I believe Danny will help to get the best out of Youssef.
"These are early days for him, he's a young talent and naturally with inexperienced players they occasionally take time.
"But I'm certain over the course of his career here he's going to prove that he's a very, very good player."

The CEO Acknowledges Supporters' Disappointment and Anger

The chief executive was in the media firing line, considering the criticism that has been directed at him by certain club own supporters.

Additionally, there was a banner in the stadium during the last draw with Dundee United suggesting him - and the sporting director - to depart before they were packed for them.

Similar to the sporting director, Stewart didn't evade the issue.

"I totally appreciate the frustration and anger that fans are feeling because results this season haven't met good enough and no one is happy with them," he stated.
"The hurt and disappointment they feel is matched within the leadership.
"Also understand that there has to be a channel for those frustrations and in my role, I'm responsible.
"I serve as lightning rod for those and my responsibility as a
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Scott Christian

A passionate full-stack developer with over 8 years of experience, specializing in JavaScript and modern web frameworks.

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