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Major Insights from Danny Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Press Conference

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl addressed the media for nearly half an hour during his first press conference

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    2 hours ago

Nearly 135 days following the previous coach's first press conference as the club's head coach, his replacement Danny Rohl faced the media at Rangers' stadium for the first time.

The magnitude of the task ahead of him is well known, given Martin's chaotic and unsuccessful four-month spell.

The ex- Sheffield Wednesday boss was joined by chairman Andrew Cavenagh, along with the much-criticized duo of sporting director Kevin Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart.

But what precisely did we learn from the 36-year-old coach's maiden media outing as Rangers boss?

The Manager's Main Priority - Winning is Everything

A single message came through loud and clear from the new coach's first appearance in front of the Scottish media - he understands the necessity to win matches, and achieve this quickly.

His predecessor Martin lasted only 17 matches and 123 days in charge, so the question emerged about what timeframe Rohl thinks is realistic to turn around the underperforming team.

Although deftly avoiding a direct answer that might create later expectations, Rohl's communication was very evident.

"Hopefully as soon as possible," he stated. "This is crucial.
"In this business you have limited time. You can discuss long-term vision but it's understood it concerns immediate results and that period is about winning games. That is what I demand.
"One thing is also obvious - I need every squad member to comprehend how we want to play. I return to my primary theme: it's winning, it's attractive and it's together. If you follow this sequence, I believe that I'll stay very long here."

Expectations are Standard

Danny Rohl press conference

The previous manager needed security protection to leave the stadium after his final game in charge.

We've witnessed how toxic situations can become at sports teams when results decline. Protests have almost become a regular part of game day experience on each part of the city these days.

As Rangers' youngest ever head coach, the inquiry was posed about what qualities Rohl believes he has that would allow him to cope, never mind thrive, in one of the most pressurized roles in British football?

"I think pressure in football is normal," he stated. "One needs to understand that very quickly.
"I think some people could reference my youth but I'm a decade and a half in this career. I had an excellent opportunity to work with Bayern Munich and be just the assistant manager, but I experienced what it means to be a head coach and the pressure involved.
"When you start getting results and then some critics will say you must produce entertaining soccer. That's the next phase but precisely what I want. I relish that challenge and I'm excited about what's ahead."

The Sporting Director Defends Chermiti Signing & Hiring Family Member

Kevin Thelwell media conference

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

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

Nevertheless, he defended and explained the choice to bring his son to the club.

"It's always awkward to listen and in appearance I believe everyone understood when we made this decision to appoint him that he would be seen negatively," Thelwell said.
"The truth of the situation is that we want to attract the very best talent here.
"My perspective on Robbie's career and situation is he didn't need family help in soccer.
"He's worked at Aston Villa as a senior scout, he then joined Norwich City as scouting chief and then was elevated to player pathways manager.
"Before we hiring him, two Premier League clubs wanted to sign him. Our approach right at the beginning of the process was consult with Patrick, Andrew and vice-chairman Marathe about this matter.
"I remained highly open and I believe he likely underwent a more rigorous procedure than any other employee by this football club.
"What I do know is that he'll labor 25/8 to achieve success for this football club and I anticipate seeing him demonstrating that he'll become an excellent employee for the club."

Additionally, Thelwell defended the signing of striker Chermiti, who arrived at Rangers for a reported initial fee of eight million pounds, having failed to score in 24 games for Everton.

It was Thelwell who transferred the Portugal youth international to Liverpool from Sporting Lisbon - again for significant money in a fifteen million pound deal.

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

"Absolutely, very much so," Thelwell answered. "I believe Youssef Chermiti is a player who's got huge potential.
"I've never questioned him whatsoever. Similarly, I think the manager will assist in maximize the potential out of the player.
"These are initial stages for the young player, he remains promising prospect and of course with young talents they sometimes take time.
"But I'm certain throughout of his time here he'll demonstrate that he is highly capable footballer."

Stewart Understands Supporters' Disappointment and Hurt

Stewart was also in the media scrutiny, considering the criticism that has been directed at him by certain of the club's fans.

Additionally, there was a sign in the Sandy Jardine stand during the recent draw with United inviting him - and the sporting director - to depart before they were packed for him.

Similar to the sporting director, Stewart didn't avoid the topic.

"I completely appreciate the frustration and hurt that the supporters are feeling because results recently haven't been expectations and nobody's happy with those," he said.
"The hurt and disappointment fans experience is mirrored within the boardroom.
"Also understand that there must exist a channel for those frustrations and as chief executive, I'm responsible.
"I serve as focal point for those and my responsibility as a
Written by

Christine Rogers

Elena Vanguard is a seasoned agritech expert with over a decade of experience in sustainable farming and smart irrigation systems.

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