Rangers

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

It's too cliche, probably, to talk about German efficiency and punctuality. Let it be stated for the record, however, that at exactly 3.30pm, as advertised, Danny Rohl walked into the press conference room behind chief executive Patrick Stewart and chairman Andrew Cavenagh.

He was all smiles, like the cat who got the cream. And little wonder. At 36 years of age, and having only managed one side in his own right – Sheffield Wednesday – the former Bayern Munich assistant manager is now the Rangers head coach.

Not the Rangers manager. That point was made very clear throughout. Sporting director Kevin Thelwell re-emphasised the fact his job is to try to work seamlessly with the head coach and bring him the players he wants.

Chairman Cavenagh was of a similar mind, using the phrase head coach and alluding to a structure behind the scenes that mirrors much of what is done elsewhere in modern football.

In excellent English, and beaming from the top table in suit and Rangers club tie, Rohl admitted he has to win, and win early.

Asked what he thought was a reasonable amount of time, given Russell Martin was sacked after just 122 days in charge, he dodged it artfully by saying he just has to get some wins on the board.

I then asked him what qualities he might have that would enable him to deal with the relentless scrutiny that comes with this most demanding of jobs. He reminded me he was assistant coach at Bayern Munich.

With a smile, however, his hands parenthised the 'assistant coach' bit, indicating he did a fair bit of the heavy lifting at the Allianz Arena.

Rohl revealed he took his first Rangers training session this morning and was delighted by the players' "intensity". However good that was, in his eyes, it's nothing compared to the intense scrutiny he, and his team, are about to come under.

Win, and he'll be fine. It would be hard to make a worst start than his predecessor. Lose a few games, however, and it will be interesting to see how long that beaming smile lasts.

He told us he loves a challenge. Just as well. He's just taken on the biggest one of his young life so far.

For day one, though, he can relax. First test passed. He met the Scottish media head-on and left with a handshake for every last one of us. A touch of class on what must have been a nervous first day in the job for Rangers' new standard bearer.

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Danny Rohl has been speaking to the media for the first time since being appointed Rangers head coach.

Here are the key points from his Ibrox unveiling:

• Rohl is relishing being part of "this amazing football club" and knows "we need wins" amid a dreadful start to the season, adding: "We are not happy – and this is the reason I am here."

• The German says joining Rangers is a good fit: "I am looking for an ambitious club, a club that is looking for more. I'm looking for a club to win titles. This club has everything for all these goals."

• On whether he is the right man for the job: "It's very important that my focus is on my person, what I can bring to this football club. What I want to see on the pitch is intensity, togetherness, and playing forward because we want to create chances, we want to create goals. We have to a defend as a unit much, much better with a lot of aggression."

• Rohl insists the top priority is "we have to win games" and then "we can speak about playing attractive football".

• On withdrawing from the running last week, Rohl says: "We never stopped the communication. Over a couple of days we had outstanding meetings together. There was still a great relationship between all of us in the meetings. I felt the trust. And football sometimes is about timing. This is a big, big pleasure for me. The club was fighting and looking for me and we were still talking, so I think this is very important. This is the reason why I am here now and it's the reason I am really looking forward to being part of this club."

• The 36-year-old says he is not concerned about not being the club's first choice for the role: "I think the outcome that I am here is very important. You can be the first, the second or the third choice. The important thing is to win games. That is the reason I am here. I cannot tell you which choice I am. I can just tell you that I am here. And it gives me the belief that I was the first choice and in this direction I want to go forward."

• On recruitment, Rohl says it is crucial that he and sporting director Kevin Thelwell "work closely together". He adds: "It makes no sense if one part goes in this direction and other part goes in another direction. When you are very clear on which way you want to go it is much easier to find the right players for the club and the style we want to play. I've learned a lot in the last 16 years about recruitment and if you can bring all the power in one direction you can convince really good players to come here."

• On what is salvageable this season: "We need wins in a row. With this you can build self-confidence. This morning we trained with great intensity and were were lively on the pitch - I see so much potential. We are in four competitions still. We can attack those competitions but it's not just a wish. We have to work very hard."

• On his style, Rohl says "the first thing is we have to speed up our game" and adds: "I've said to the players as well we are a massive club with big demands but we cannot just think we can win games with nice football. We have to press well, we have to hunt, we have to go on the counter-pressing and play with intensity. It starts with the striker and [goes through] to the defender. If we do it as a unit again and again it is very hard to beat us break us down. This is the mindset I want to change very quickly."

• Asked if Rangers can still win the league, Rohl says: "I believe we can win the next game. This is the crucial part. In football looking too far away doesn't make much sense. I will put all my energy into winning the next game. I believe in this group and if we get them running and the confidence back they can win game by game by game."

• On how long it will take to turn things around: "Hopefully as soon as possible. In this business we have not so much time. You can speak about a long-term vision but we know it's about short term and winning games. That is what I demand."

• On the scrutiny and expectation at Rangers: "Pressure in this business is usual. You have to learn this very soon. Some guys will maybe speak about my age but I am 16 years in different stages now [in my career]. I had the opportunity to work with Bayern Munich and be just assistant coach but I've felt what it means to be a head coach and the pressure of that. You start with winning games then people say you have to play nice football. That is exactly what I want to have."

Image source, Getty

We asked whether you think Danny Rohl is the right man to revive Rangers after the German was confirmed as the successor to sacked head coach Russell Martin.

Here's what some of you said:

Jim: It appears that those responsible have gone from the sublime to the ridiculous with this appointment. It doesn't thrill me at all.

Neil: As a Sheffield Wednesday fan, Rangers have got themselves a gem with Danny Rohl. He transformed fitness levels, improved players individually and tried to implement an attractive style of football. He brought unity to the club, the fans loved him and so did the players. He will make Rangers a force again. Trust in him.

Pete: He is the third choice and a rushed appointment because Steven Gerrard and Kevin Muscat both saw issues with the board and walked away. Last man standing, let's see how long he lasts.

CD: I can't deny that I wanted Muscat but Rohl will get my full support. It'll be interesting to see his set up and style. He has a chance to change our season by winning the next few games.

Gavin: Sorry but what an underwhelming appointment. We are supposed to be grateful for a guy who achieved 12th place in the Championship. We should have asked Giovanni van Bronckhorst or Philippe Clement to come back. Fingers crossed I'm wrong regarding Rohl. Best of luck... he will need it!

Jack: Probably not the best choice but thanks to the sporting director, he's the best we could get. We've got to get behind him. He did wonders at Sheffield Wednesday and probably should have gone to another English Championship club but let's give him a chance. Rangers is a big job, let's hope he can thrive.

Colin: It's a gamble but I'm excited with all the great things other football professionals are saying about him. Hopefully he fits in quickly and gets the best out of what he's got and then get his own players in.

Iain: Rangers can't attract the big-name managers at this time due to the failings of the previous boards. Russell Martin could have been good given time but the fans don't want to give anyone time. I hope Rohl can turn things around and get Rangers back to where we want them.

Peter: Another disaster after another. This seems rushed, and smacks of desperation to get someone appointed. Rangers need a Scottish manager, someone who understands the club properly.

Brian: While he has limited experience as a manager in his own right, he has been learning his trade as an assistant at some major clubs. He did a great job in Sheffield and I believe with the right backing he can become one of Rangers' better managers. Let's give him some backing and see what transpires.

Russel: I believe Rangers should have appointed Rohl instead of Martin in the first place. Danny certainly speaks very well and appears to have decent experience behind him, especially under difficult circumstances at Sheffield Wednesday. Let's all get united behind the new head coach and his backroom staff, especially at Ibrox.

Chris McLaughlin
Scotland sports news correspondent

Today will be the 13th new Rangers manager's unveiling I've covered. It has changed over the years, there's no doubt about that, but it's always a big deal when a Celtic or a Rangers manager is unveiled, despite the fact they come along a lot more frequently these days.

For Rangers it would be traditionally in the historic blue room with the new manager and the chairman. It's changed now, there's the chief executive, the chairman and the sporting director.

What hasn't changed however is how the spectacle is viewed and handled by the media and the fans.

For the unveiling of an Old Firm manager, it's like political theatre. The media poring over, analysing every word from the new man, his body language, his mood, and it's seen by many as the start of a new era.

I spoke to a Rangers fan yesterday and asked what was the feeling among the support. He said "I'm not sure whether to be excited or scared" and I think that's the overwhelming sense from the fans.

You could almost feel sorry for Danny Rohl, who at best was third choice for this position, but I've heard suggestions he may have been the fourth.

Rangers fans would say that the board has completely bungled this process.

Steven Gerrard said no, Rohl himself said no, Kevin Muscat said no, then they went back to the German, who eventually said yes.

I think Rohl ruled himself out initially because he thought Muscat was getting the job - that's my understanding. Everyone thought it was going to be Muscat.

Whatever they have said and whatever Muscat has looked at has clearly been enough to put him off because by all accounts he was desperate to take this job.

But with the unveiling of Rohl - like with any Old Firm manager - there's been a sense of theatre and occasion about it - now it's up to him to live up to all of that.

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Should sorting out the defence be new head coach Danny Rohl's top priority at Rangers?

The Ibrox club have just one clean sheet - and one win - in their opening eight Premiership fixtures.

Rohl clearly has plenty of issues to attend to as he takes the reins on a two-and-a-half-year deal following the ill-fated Russell Martin tenure.

"I think there's plenty of good players in the frontline that can get Rangers goals," said Scottish coach and analyst John Walker.

"What you need to stop doing is giving an uphill task where you need two to win games. You need to be able to win games scrappy 1-0.

"I think there's a lot of uncertainty over whether defenders are meant to be stepping, whether they're to be dropping, where they're meant to be, what the positional space is meant to be.

"You've got very experienced players there. You've got a good midfield to choose from, with Joe Rothwell, Mohamed Diomande, Connor Barron, Nicolas Raskin, Thelo Aasgaard. It's good enough to be good in Scottish football.

"Rangers need to start shutting games out and it's working for you back to front. It's coach your backline, sort your backline, get everyone fighting for everything. And even if it's not pretty, the top end of the football is not right, it buys you time."

Despite Rangers' wretched start to the season and questionable recruitment, former striker Rory Loy believes the squad does not require major surgery.

"They need a centre-back to join in with Derek Cornelius and John Souttar because Nasser Djiga's not good enough in my opinion," said Loy.

"I think Jayden Meghoma's got potential. He's shown in fits and starts, but he needs a spell in the team.

"I don't think it should be a case of looking towards January. Rothwell has shown signs in the last few weeks, same with Aasgaard. Bojan Miovski is a good signing, and you've got Raskin in there. Oliver Antman has shown in glimpses, Djeidi Gassama does look very good.

"I don't think there's this need to panic and go, we need a full new squad. There's potential there. They just need somebody to get the potential out of them."

Listen to more reaction to Rohl's appointment on the BBC's Scottish football podcast

Image source, Getty

New Rangers head coach Danny Rohl aims to deliver "exciting wins" with a high-intensity brand of attacking football.

The German, 36, inherits a side that have won just five of their 18 matches this season.

Rohl, who will be unveiled at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, told Rangers TV: "Winning is the most important thing. We don't have a lot of time, but I won't use that as an excuse. We know where we are and which direction we want to go.

"We want to play attacking football and that means we have to press high and with intensity, we have to be connected in all parts of the game.

"We need to be good in transition moments in both directions and that means all of the players need to hunt the ball. We want to create a lot of chances and goals.

"Fans don't want to see draws, or small wins, they want to see exciting wins and that's what we will try to do.

"It is a demanding league and it is very intensive. You will have different challenges, especially when you go away, there are different stadiums, but I think my group will handle these things. I am looking forward to it. We are a huge club who should control games.

"We know what we have to do of course, it is a demanding club, and this is the reason I am here. I demand a lot from my players, my coaching team and a lot from myself."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton insists Danny Rohl needs a "fast start" at Rangers to get the fans fully behind him.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss was confirmed as the new Ibrox head coach on Monday less than a week after he ruled himself out of the running.

The 36-year-old German was in charge of Wednesday between October 2023 and July 2025 following coaching roles with RB Leipzig, Southampton, Bayern Munich and Germany.

But some fans have raised concerns about the young coach lacking experience, and Sutton agrees he might not have the same presence as other candidates that were in the mix.

"Rangers fans view Danny Rohl as another Russell Martin type. They view him as a guy who doesn't necessarily have clout," he told The Monday Night Club.

"He needs a fast start and it's just hard to see with the squad he's got.

"Kevin Thelwell said his job is to get the best out of the players but the level of the player has been the problem for Rangers, and who brought the players in?

"Hence why it's interesting that Steven Gerrard and Kevin Muscat - and I'm not saying that Danny Rohl isn't a strong character - they have that presence and that clout, where they would have wanted to go in and do it their particular way.

"I'm not sure Rohl would have had that sway.

"He's a good coach, he's had a difficult job at Sheffield Wednesday, where he gained a good reputation but he has to come out and win, and win quickly."

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

We finally have a new manager. I hope Danny Rohl manages to turn this binfire of a season around.

Thankfully we can now close the Russell Martin chapter and look forward to seeing what happens in the two games this week.

However, we have to touch on the omnishambles that came before the appointment of Rohl. Steven Gerrard looked like he was ready to come in and reportedly had positive talks with the chairman and vice-chairman, only to then walk away after meeting with the next two in the food chain, Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart.

For Kevin Muscat it was a similar story to Gerrard. Rohl had ruled himself out, then was appointed on Monday.

The question is: why would a guy like Muscat, who has won titles in his career, and Gerrard, who was seemingly itching to get back to Rangers, both turn the job down after meetings with the sporting director and chief executive?

The same sporting director who has appointed his son as head of recruitment.

If you read between the lines, Stewart and Thelwell have to be removed by Andrew Cavenagh and co.

Thelwell's recruitment has been patchy at best. The appointment of Martin was arrogant and the fact two good managers walked away before we appointed Rohl should see him removed immediately.

This is a squad with one left-back, lacking a proper spine, and the guy leading recruitment thought it was a good idea to spend a large chunk of money on an unproven striker from his former club.

The January window will be coming up shortly and this squad is well short in key areas. Hopefully Thelwell and his recruitment team are replaced before the window opens or we'll be squandering more money on average players from the most overpriced market in world football.

The solution is simple. Whether the appetite from the owners to act is there, I'm unsure. It should be top of their to-do list.

Image source, PA Media

Forward Charlie Austin describes new Rangers boss Danny Rohl as "a phenomenal coach", having worked with the German at Southampton. (Sun), external

Carlton Palmer, once of Rohl's last club Sheffield Wednesday, believes Rohl "is the right choice for Rangers". (Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Will "adaptable" Danny Rohl prove to be "a coup" for Rangers?

The German has been appointed new Ibrox head coach, less than a week after he ruled himself out of the running for the job.

The 36-year-old was in charge of Sheffield Wednesday between October 2023 and July 2025 following coaching roles with RB Leipzig, Southampton, Bayern Munich and Germany.

Some fans have raised concerns about Rohl having too many similarities to his predecessor Russell Martin, but BBC Radio Sheffield's Rob Staton insists he is far from a carbon copy.

"Rohl is a very different manager to Martin in his approach and in the style his teams play," Staton told BBC Scotland.

"He did a fantastic job at Wednesday. Proved he's very adaptable, he would often change tactics during games - sometimes multiple times - to create effect.

"He'll quite happily change three players at half-time and completely change tactics to confuse an opponent or get back into a game.

"He developed several players including the likes of Djeidi Gassama, who is at Rangers now.

"He had had an immediate impact at Wednesday. He came in when they'd not won in 10 games, they were rock bottom of the table and he immediately lifted the club.

"I suspect that's what he could do now and in a few weeks' time Rangers fans would think, 'yeah we got this one right'.

"He is someone who works long hours and is incredibly dedicated to his craft – if I were a Rangers fan I wouldn't be worried about comparisons to Martin, I'd be excited about this appointment.

"What he did to keep to Wednesday up in that first year was nothing short of a miracle, and in year two without any major investment he drove them forward, pushing for the top six and play-offs.

"He did an excellent job, I always felt like he was destined for the top. I'd say this is a coup for Rangers."

Watch Rangers fans react to Danny Rohl's appointment as new Ibrox head coach.

Read more: What awaits new Rangers boss Rohl?

Image source, Getty Images

Rangers have ended their search for a new head coach by appointing Danny Rohl on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 36-year-old German was in charge of Sheffield Wednesday between October 2023 and July 2025 following coaching roles with RB Leipzig, Southampton, Bayern Munich and Germany.

With Rangers sitting sixth in the Scottish Premiership, with just one win from eight games, is Rohl the man to revive the club's fortunes?

Tell us your views

Danny Rohl, 36, left Sheffield Wednesday by mutual consent in the summer after spells as an assistant with RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and the German national team.

The young coach twice staved off relegation with the embattled South Yorkshire club, finishing 12th in the English Championship in his one full season in charge.

That was an impressive achievement given Wednesday's financial struggles. Now he will have to invigorate and motivate a struggling Rangers squad.

Like his predecessor Russell Martin, Rohl was not the overwhelming top pick of the Rangers support, especially after Steven Gerrard's withdrawal and a breakdown in talks with Kevin Muscat.

However, former Scotland midfielder Barry Bannan believes the German will have no problem making a positive first impression.

"Danny was really good, he had a winning mindset from his first meeting," Bannan, who was Wednesday's captain during Rohl's spell, told BBC Scotland.

"He was a young manager so the boys were intrigued to see how he would go about it, but we all left that meeting knowing we had a top, top manager on our hands. He was only young but came across highly confident.

"He is very passionate. He took to Sheffield Wednesday and the fans took to him right away because of the passion he showed.

"I know he is up for a battle - he came to us when we were rock bottom and looked likely to be relegated, but we stayed up that year and kicked on.

"A lot of people seem to forget he worked at a massive club in Bayern Munich. I know he was assistant there, but he would have got a taste of something similar to the Old Firm teams because it's all about winning games.

"I'll put my neck out on the line and say he is the best manager I have worked under. He is brilliant."

Read more: Is Rohl the answer for Rangers?

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Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh: "We're very pleased to welcome Danny to Rangers, an ambitious coach who shares the club's hunger for progress and success.

"His experience at elite level, in high-pressure environments, makes him a strong fit for what we expect here.

"We know the past few months have been challenging, but our focus has always been on getting the right person, who is ready to immediately embrace this football club and the demands that come with it.

"Danny impressed us with his vision, his character and his understanding of what Rangers stands for. We believe he can help restore pride, momentum and ultimately success."

Rangers vice-chairman Paraag Marathe: "This has been a thorough process to ensure we identified the right person to lead the club forward.

"Danny clearly has tactical intelligence and a hunger to match the ambitions of Rangers. With Danny at the helm, we intend to compete through every minute on the pitch in all competitions."

Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart: "Danny brings real conviction, clarity and leadership to the role.

"We know results this season have fallen below our expectations, but with Danny and his staff in place, we're confident we can get this season back on track.

"It's now our job to give him every support possible to move the club forward quickly and decisively."

Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell: "Danny has the qualities required to succeed here, allied with being an exceptional coach.

"He has worked in some of the most demanding football environments in the world, where winning is the only expectation, and we believe that background has prepared him for Rangers.

"His job will be to get the best out of the players and build a team that, first and foremost, wins as we all target success this season."

Image source, Getty Images

Danny Rohl has been confirmed as Rangers' new head coach - less than a week after the German ruled himself out of the running.

The 36-year-old's last managerial position was with Sheffield Wednesday in the English Championship.

"It is a huge privilege to be taking on the role of head coach at such an incredible club, recognised around the world," Rohl said.

"I know it has been a difficult start to the season, but there is still so much to play for in four competitions, and my staff and I will give it everything to reward the supporters and the club.

"The expectations here are clear. The fans want to see results now - my mentality and experience is to think in exactly the same way and I have belief in the players that we can achieve this.

"We have no time to waste, we start straight away. I respect that trust is earned and understand we have to give the supporters confidence in what we are doing by showing it on the pitch from the start.

"The expectations are huge and I love this challenge because I set high standards for myself and the team too.

"Rangers is built on a tradition of hard work, unity and success - that is exactly what you will get from me and what I want my team to represent for all of you.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the squad and getting down to work ahead of Thursday's game away to Brann."

As Rangers' hunt for a new head coach continues, we asked you who you think should be Russell Martin's replacement now that Steven Gerrard and Kevin Muscat are reportedly out of the running.

Here's what some of you said:

Edward: What about David Martindale? Done a great job for Livingston. Could do a lot worse.

Stephen: Ange is free!

Gavin: Utter shambles. At least Ange is available now, I'm sure he would welcome a return to Glasgow!

Chico: It feels very much like we need to bring Ally McCoist back in again and rebuild for some incredible times ahead, not keep bringing in a head coach that will be inadequate and under pressure from the fans.

Elyag: Get Giovanni van Bronckhorst back, should never have sacked him.

Michael: Give the job to Barry Ferguson, at least he has heart. He did a good job as interim manager before.

Ian: It's so obvious. Bring back Ferguson and his backroom staff. Bring back pride, credibility, passion and integrity and what it means to wear the shirt. A winner, an international player and an inspirational coach with an unparalleled knowledge of a great club. Second-rate coaches need no longer apply.

John: I would go for either Stephen Robinson or Jim Goodwin. Both managers have been around and have done well with smaller teams. Would really like Jim Goodwin as I feel he has the character required to be our manager.

Watch the Sportscene panel discuss Rangers' second half performance against Dundee United.