Important Lessons from Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Press Conference
Rohl spoke to the media for nearly half an hour during his introductory press conference
- Published2 hours ago
Nearly 135 days following the previous coach's initial media briefing as the club's manager, successor Danny Rohl faced the media at Ibrox for the first time.
The magnitude of the task facing him is widely recognized, considering his predecessor's chaotic and disappointing four-month spell.
The former Sheffield Wednesday boss was joined by club chairman the chairman, along with the much-criticized duo of sporting director Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart.
However, what exactly did we learn from the 36-year-old German's first public appearance as Rangers boss?
Rohl's Main Priority - Winning Comes First
A single message came through clearly from Rohl's initial presentation before the local press - he understands the need to win matches, and do so rapidly.
His predecessor Martin lasted only 17 games and four months in charge, so the inquiry arose about how long the new man thinks is reasonable to transform the struggling squad.
Although deftly avoiding a direct answer that might create later expectations, the coach's message was very evident.
"With hope as soon as possible," he stated. "That is crucial.
"In this business you have not much opportunity. One can talk about long-term vision but it's understood it concerns the short-term and the short-term is about securing victories. That is my requirement.
"One thing is also obvious - I need every squad member to comprehend our intended to play. I return to my main theme: victory comes first, it's attractive and it's together. If you follow this order, I believe that I'll stay for years here."
Expectations are Standard
The previous manager needed a police escort to leave the Falkirk Stadium after his final game in charge.
We've seen how toxic situations can become at sports teams when performances are poor. Demonstrations have nearly become a regular aspect of game day experience on both sides of Glasgow these days.
As Rangers' youngest ever head coach, the question was posed about which attributes the coach thinks he has that would allow him to handle, never mind thrive, in among the highest-pressure positions in British football?
"I think expectations in this business are standard," he stated. "One needs to understand that very quickly.
"I believe some people could reference my youth but I have been a decade and a half in this career. I experienced a great chance to be at Bayern Munich and be only an assistant coach, but I experienced the reality to manage a team and the pressure you face.
"When you start winning games and then certain people will say you must produce entertaining soccer. That's the next phase but precisely my intention. I relish those expectations and I'm excited for what's ahead."
The Sporting Director Explains Striker Acquisition & Hiring His Son
There were plenty of questions from the media for Thelwell.
Much discussion has concerned the hiring of Robbie Thelwell as recruitment chief, with fans unconvinced about his credentials for the position.
Nevertheless, he justified and clarified the choice to recruit Thelwell Jnr to Ibrox.
"It remains awkward to listen and optically I think everyone understood when we took this step to appoint him that he'd be viewed in a particular way," Thelwell stated.
"The truth of circumstances is that we aim to attract the very best players to this club.
"My perspective on Robbie's career and situation is he didn't need family help in soccer.
"He's worked at Villa as head scout, he then moved to Norwich as head of scouting and then got promoted to development role.
"Prior to our recruited him, two Premier League clubs sought to acquire him. Our approach from the start of the process was discuss with the CEO, the chairman and deputy chairman Marathe about this matter.
"I remained highly transparent and I believe he likely underwent a stricter process than anybody else employee by this football club.
"What I do know is that he'll labor constantly to achieve success for this football club and I'm looking forward to him demonstrating that he's going to be an excellent employee for Rangers."
Additionally, Thelwell supported the signing of forward Chermiti, who arrived at the club for an alleged first payment of eight million pounds, having failed to find the net in 24 appearances for Everton.
It was Thelwell who transferred the Portugal youth international to Merseyside from Sporting Lisbon - once more for significant money in a £15m transfer.
The question came if he stands by his expensive signing, who is yet to register in seven matches for Rangers.
"Yes, completely," Thelwell responded. "I think Youssef Chermiti represents who's possesses great ability.
"I've never doubted him whatsoever. Similarly, I think the manager will help to maximize the potential out of the player.
"These are early days for him, he's a young talent and of course with inexperienced players they occasionally take time.
"However, I'm convinced throughout of his time at the club he's going to prove that he is very, very good player."
The CEO Understands Supporters' Disappointment and Hurt
Stewart was also facing firing line, given the criticism that has been aimed his way by certain club fans.
Additionally, there was a sign in the stadium during the recent tie with United suggesting him - and Thelwell - to pack his bags before they were packed for them.
Like his sporting director, the CEO did not evade the issue.
"I completely understand the disappointment and anger that the supporters are experiencing because performances recently haven't been good enough and no one is happy with them," he stated.
"The hurt and disappointment fans experience is matched within the leadership.
"Recognize that there must exist an outlet for those frustrations and in my role, I'm responsible.
"I'm a lightning rod for those and my responsibility as a