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Important Lessons 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 initial media briefing as the club's manager, his replacement Danny Rohl met with the media at Rangers' stadium for the initial occasion.

The magnitude of the task ahead of him is widely recognized, considering his predecessor's chaotic and disappointing 123-day tenure.

The former Wednesday manager was accompanied by club chairman the chairman, along with the much-criticized pair of football director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Stewart.

But what precisely was revealed from the young coach's maiden media outing as Rangers boss?

Rohl's Main Priority - Victory Comes First

One thing came through loud and clear from Rohl's first appearance before the local press - he recognizes the necessity to secure victories, and do so quickly.

His predecessor Russell Martin managed just 17 games and 123 days in charge, so the inquiry arose about what timeframe the new man thinks is realistic to turn around the underperforming team.

Although deftly avoiding a direct answer that could bring later expectations, Rohl's communication was quite clear.

"With hope as soon as possible," he stated. "That is crucial.
"In football you have not much time. You can discuss long-term vision but it's understood it concerns immediate results and the short-term is about securing victories. This is my requirement.
"Another aspect is also clear - I need all players to understand how we want to perform. I return to my primary theme: it's winning, it's attractive and unity. If you follow this sequence, I believe that I'll stay for years here."

Expectations are Standard

Danny Rohl press conference

Martin required a police escort to exit the stadium after his last match as manager.

We've seen how hostile situations can turn at sports teams when results are poor. Protests have almost become an expected part of the matchday atmosphere on both sides of Glasgow currently.

As the club's most youthful ever head coach, the inquiry was posed about what qualities the coach thinks he possesses that would enable him to cope, let alone thrive, in one of the highest-pressure roles in British football?

"In my opinion pressure in this business are standard," he commented. "One needs to understand that very quickly.
"I think certain individuals could reference my age but I'm a decade and a half in this career. I had an excellent opportunity to be at Bayern Munich and be just the assistant coach, but I felt the reality to manage a team and the pressure involved.
"You begin getting results and then certain people will say you must produce entertaining football. That's the next stage but that's exactly my intention. I enjoy that challenge and I'm excited for the future."

Thelwell Defends Chermiti Signing & Appointing Family Member

Kevin Thelwell media conference

The media pack had numerous inquiries from the media directed at Thelwell.

Significant attention has concerned the hiring of Robbie Thelwell as head of recruitment, with supporters unconvinced about his qualifications for the role.

However, he justified and explained the decision to recruit Thelwell Jnr to Ibrox.

"It remains awkward to listen and in appearance I believe we all agreed when we took this decision to appoint Robbie that he'd be seen negatively," Thelwell stated.
"The reality of circumstances is that we want to bring the top talent here.
"My perspective on his professional path and background is he didn't need my assistance in football.
"He's worked at Villa as a senior scout, he then joined Norwich City as head of scouting and then got promoted to player pathways manager.
"Prior to our recruited him, two Premier League clubs sought to acquire him. Our approach right at the start of the process was discuss with the CEO, Andrew and vice-chairman Marathe about this situation.
"I was extremely open and I think Robbie probably underwent a more rigorous process than anybody else who's employed by the team.
"I'm certain is that he will work 25/8 to achieve success for this football club and I'm looking forward seeing him proving that he's going to be an excellent employee for the club."

Thelwell also supported the acquisition of striker Youssef Chermiti, who joined the club for a reported initial fee of eight million pounds, after failing to score in 24 appearances for his previous club.

It was Thelwell who transferred the Portugal young international to Merseyside from Sporting - once more for significant money in a £15m transfer.

He was asked if he stands by his multi-million pound signing, who hasn't yet score in seven outings for the club.

"Yes, completely," Thelwell answered. "I think Youssef Chermiti represents who's got huge potential.
"I've never doubted him in any way. Similarly, I think the manager will help to get the best out of Youssef.
"These are early days for him, he's a promising prospect and of course with young talents they occasionally take time.
"However, I'm convinced throughout of his career here he's going to prove that he's a highly capable player."

Stewart Acknowledges Fan Disappointment and Anger

The chief executive was facing firing line, considering the criticism that has been directed his way by certain club own supporters.

There was even a sign in the Sandy Jardine stand during the recent tie with Dundee United suggesting him - and the sporting director - to depart before they were packed for him.

Like his football director, the CEO did not evade the issue.

"I totally understand the frustration and anger that the supporters are feeling because performances recently haven't been expectations and no one is satisfied with them," he said.
"The pain and frustration they feel is mirrored inside the boardroom.
"Recognize that there has to be an outlet for that dissatisfaction and in my role, that's me.
"I'm a lightning rod for such issues and my responsibility as a
By

Tiffany Gilbert

Elena Vance is a cybersecurity analyst with over a decade of experience in threat detection and digital forensics.

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