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Thursday, October 8, 2026
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Key Takeaways from Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Press Conference

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl spoke to journalists for nearly half an hour during his introductory media appearance

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    2 hours ago

Nearly four and a half months following the previous coach's initial media briefing as Rangers manager, his replacement the German coach faced the media at Rangers' stadium for the first time.

The magnitude of the challenge facing him is widely recognized, given his predecessor's chaotic and disappointing four-month spell.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss was accompanied by club chairman the chairman, along with the frequently questioned pair of football director Kevin Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart.

But what exactly did we learn from the young German's maiden media outing as Rangers boss?

The Manager's Primary Focus - Victory is Everything

One thing emerged clearly from Rohl's first appearance in front of the Scottish media - he recognizes the necessity to win matches, and do so quickly.

The previous manager Russell Martin lasted only 17 games and four months in charge, so the inquiry arose about how long the new man believes is realistic to turn around the struggling team.

While skillfully sidestepping a direct answer that could bring later expectations, the coach's communication was quite clear.

"Hopefully very quickly," he stated. "This is essential.
"In football you have limited opportunity. You can discuss long-term vision but it's understood it's about the short-term and the short-term involves securing victories. That is what I demand.
"One thing remains clear - I require every squad member to comprehend our intended to play. I return to my primary message: victory comes first, entertaining football and it's together. By following this sequence, I'm convinced that I will remain very long at the club."

Pressure is Standard

Danny Rohl press conference

Martin required security protection to leave the Falkirk Stadium after his last game in charge.

We've witnessed how hostile environments can become at football clubs when results decline. Demonstrations have almost become an expected aspect of the matchday experience on each part of the city these days.

As the club's most youthful ever head coach, the question was posed about which attributes Rohl believes he possesses that would enable him to cope, never mind thrive, in among the most pressurized positions in British football?

"In my opinion expectations in this business are standard," he stated. "One needs to understand that rapidly.
"I think some people could reference my age but I'm a decade and a half on this path. I experienced a great opportunity to work with the German club and be only an assistant coach, but I experienced the reality to manage a team and the demands involved.
"You begin getting results and then some critics claim you must play attractive soccer. That becomes the stage but that's exactly my intention. I relish those expectations and I'm excited for the future."

The Sporting Director Explains Striker Acquisition & Hiring Family Member

Kevin Thelwell media conference

There were plenty of inquiries from journalists directed at Thelwell.

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

Nevertheless, he justified and clarified the decision to bring Thelwell Jnr to the club.

"It remains awkward to listen and optically I think everyone understood when we made this decision to appoint Robbie that he would be seen negatively," Thelwell said.
"The truth of circumstances is that we aim to attract the very best talent here.
"My perspective on his professional path and background is he didn't need family help in soccer.
"He served at Villa as head scout, after which he moved to Norwich as scouting chief and then was elevated to player pathways manager.
"Before we hiring him, two top division teams wanted to acquire him. Our approach from the start of proceedings was consult with Patrick, Andrew and vice-chairman Marathe about this matter.
"I was highly open and I believe he likely experienced a more rigorous procedure than anybody else who's employed by this football club.
"What I do know is that he'll labor 25/8 to be successful for Rangers and I'm looking forward to him proving that he'll become a valuable employee for Rangers."

Thelwell also defended the signing of striker Chermiti, who joined the club for an alleged initial fee of eight million pounds, after failing to find the net in 24 appearances for Everton.

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

The question came if he supports his multi-million pound signing, who is yet to score in seven outings for Rangers.

"Absolutely, very much so," Thelwell answered. "I think the striker is a player who's got huge potential.
"I haven't doubted him whatsoever. Again, I think the manager will assist in maximize the potential out of Youssef.
"It's very initial stages for him, he remains young talent and naturally with inexperienced players they sometimes require patience.
"However, I'm convinced over the course of his career at the club he's going to prove that he's a very, very good footballer."

The CEO Acknowledges Supporters' Disappointment and Hurt

Stewart was also in the media firing line, given the vitriol that has been aimed his way by certain club fans.

There was even a banner in the stadium during the last tie with Dundee United inviting him - and Thelwell - to depart before being removed for them.

Similar to the football director, the CEO did not avoid the topic.

"I completely appreciate the disappointment and anger that the supporters are experiencing because performances recently haven't been expectations and no one is satisfied with those," he stated.
"The pain and disappointment fans experience is matched inside the boardroom.
"Recognize that there has to be a channel for that dissatisfaction and as chief executive, I'm responsible.
"I'm a focal point for such issues and my responsibility as a
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About the author

Alexis Aguilar

Elena is a former professional athlete and certified sports performance coach with 15 years of experience.

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