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Key Takeaways from Rohl's Rangers Introduction

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 four and a half months after Russell Martin's first press conference as Rangers manager, successor Danny Rohl faced the media at Rangers' stadium for the initial occasion.

The magnitude of the challenge facing him is widely recognized, considering Martin's turbulent and disappointing four-month spell.

The ex- Wednesday manager was accompanied by club chairman Andrew Cavenagh, along with the much-criticized duo of sporting director Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart.

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

Rohl'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 need to secure victories, and achieve this rapidly.

His predecessor Martin managed just 17 matches and 123 days as manager, so the inquiry arose about how long Rohl believes is realistic to transform the struggling squad.

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

"Hopefully as soon as possible," he said. "That is essential.
"In this business you have limited time. One can talk about long-term vision but it's understood it's about the short-term and the short-term is about securing victories. That is what I demand.
"One thing is also obvious - I need all players to understand our intended to perform. I come back to my primary theme: victory comes first, it's attractive and it's together. By following this order, I'm convinced that I will remain very long at the club."

Pressure is Normal

Danny Rohl press conference

Martin required security protection to exit the Falkirk Stadium after his final game in charge.

We've witnessed how toxic environments can become at football clubs when results decline. Demonstrations have almost become a regular part of the matchday atmosphere on both sides of Glasgow these days.

As the club's most youthful ever head coach, the question asked about what qualities Rohl believes he has that would enable him to handle, never mind excel, in among the most pressurized roles in British football?

"In my opinion expectations in football are standard," he commented. "One needs to understand that rapidly.
"I believe certain individuals could reference my youth but I'm 16 years on this path. I had an excellent opportunity to work with the German club and serve as only an assistant coach, but I felt what it means to manage a team and the pressure involved.
"You begin winning games and then certain people claim you must produce entertaining soccer. That's the next stage but that's exactly what I want. I relish those expectations and I'm excited for the future."

Thelwell Explains Striker Acquisition & Hiring Family Member

Kevin Thelwell media conference

There were plenty of questions from the media for Thelwell.

Much discussion has concerned the hiring of Robbie Thelwell as head of recruitment, with fans skeptical about his credentials for the role.

Nevertheless, he justified and explained the choice to bring Thelwell Jnr to the club.

"It remains awkward to hear and optically I think everyone understood when we took this decision to appoint him that he'd be seen negatively," Thelwell said.
"The reality of circumstances is that we want to attract the very best players 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, he then moved to Norwich as scouting chief and then got promoted to development role.
"Before we recruited him, two Premier League clubs wanted to acquire him. What we did right at the beginning of proceedings was consult with the CEO, the chairman and vice-chairman Marathe about this matter.
"I remained extremely open and I believe he likely underwent a more rigorous procedure than anybody else who's employed by the team.
"I'm certain is that he will work 25/8 to achieve success for Rangers and I'm looking forward seeing him demonstrating that he's going to be a valuable staff member for Rangers."

Additionally, Thelwell supported the signing of striker Youssef Chermiti, who joined Rangers for an alleged first payment of eight million pounds, having failed to score in 24 games for his previous club.

It was Thelwell who brought the Portuguese young international to Liverpool from Sporting - once more for large funds in a £15m transfer.

The question came if he stands by his expensive purchase, who hasn't yet score in seven matches for the club.

"Yes, very much so," Thelwell responded. "I think the striker represents who's got huge potential.
"I haven't doubted him in any way. Again, I think Danny will help to get the best out of the player.
"It's very early days for the young player, he's a promising prospect and of course with inexperienced players they occasionally require patience.
"However, I'm convinced throughout of his time here he'll demonstrate that he is very, very good player."

The CEO Acknowledges Supporters' Frustration and Anger

Stewart was also facing firing line, considering the vitriol that has been aimed his way by some of the club's own supporters.

Additionally, there was a sign in the stadium during the last draw with Dundee United inviting Stewart - and Thelwell - to pack his bags before they were packed for them.

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

"I completely appreciate the disappointment and anger that the supporters are experiencing because performances recently haven't been good enough and nobody's happy with those," he said.
"The pain and frustration fans experience is mirrored inside the leadership.
"Also understand that there must exist a channel for those frustrations and in my role, that's me.
"I serve as focal point for those and my responsibility as a
About the author

John Bowman

A seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience covering international politics and technology, based in Washington D.C.

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