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Important Lessons from Danny Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Media Unveiling

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl addressed the media for around half an hour during his introductory media appearance

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    2 hours ago

Nearly 135 days after Russell Martin's first press conference as Rangers head coach, successor Danny Rohl faced reporters at Rangers' stadium for the initial occasion.

The scale of the challenge facing him is well known, given Martin's chaotic and disappointing 123-day tenure.

The ex- Sheffield Wednesday boss was joined by club chairman the chairman, along with the frequently questioned duo of sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart.

However, what precisely did we learn from the 36-year-old coach's maiden media outing as the club's manager?

The Manager's Main Priority - Winning Comes First

A single message came through clearly from Rohl's first appearance before the local press - he recognizes the necessity to win matches, and achieve this quickly.

The previous manager Russell Martin managed just 17 games and four months as manager, so the question emerged about what timeframe the new man thinks is realistic to transform the underperforming team.

While skillfully sidestepping a direct answer that might create later expectations, Rohl's communication was quite clear.

"Hopefully very quickly," he stated. "That is essential.
"In football you have limited opportunity. One can talk about long-term vision but we know it concerns the short-term and that period involves winning games. This is what I demand.
"One thing remains clear - I require every squad member to understand our intended to perform. I come back to my main theme: it's winning, entertaining football and unity. If you follow this order, I'm convinced that I will remain very long here."

Expectations are Normal

Danny Rohl press conference

The previous manager needed security protection to exit the Falkirk Stadium after his last match as manager.

We've seen how toxic environments can turn at football clubs when performances are poor. Demonstrations have nearly become a regular part of game day experience on both sides of the city currently.

As Rangers' youngest ever head coach, the inquiry asked about which attributes Rohl believes he has that would enable him to handle, never mind excel, in among the highest-pressure positions in UK soccer?

"In my opinion expectations in this business is normal," he stated. "One needs to understand that rapidly.
"I think certain individuals might mention my age but I'm a decade and a half in this career. I had an excellent opportunity to work with Bayern Munich and serve as only an assistant manager, but I experienced what it means to be a head coach and the demands involved.
"You begin winning games and then certain people claim you need to produce entertaining soccer. That becomes the phase but precisely what I want. I relish that challenge and I look forward 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 for Thelwell.

Significant attention has concerned the hiring of Robbie Thelwell as recruitment chief, with supporters skeptical about his credentials for the position.

Nevertheless, he defended and clarified the choice to recruit his son to Ibrox.

"It remains awkward to listen and optically I believe we all agreed when we made this decision to hire him that he'd be viewed negatively," Thelwell stated.
"The truth of circumstances is that we want to attract the very best talent to this club.
"My perspective on Robbie's career and situation is he didn't need my assistance in football.
"He's worked at Villa as a senior scout, after which he joined Norwich as scouting chief and then got promoted to development role.
"Prior to our recruited him, multiple top division clubs wanted to sign him. What we did right at the start of the process was consult with the CEO, Andrew and deputy chairman Paraag Marathe about this matter.
"I remained extremely open and I think he likely experienced a more rigorous procedure than anybody else who's employed by this football club.
"I'm certain is that he'll labor 25/8 to achieve success for Rangers and I'm looking forward to him proving that he's going to be a valuable staff member for Rangers."

Thelwell also supported the acquisition of striker Chermiti, who arrived at the club for a reported initial fee of eight million pounds, having failed to score in 24 games for Everton.

It was Thelwell who brought the Portugal young international to Liverpool from Sporting Lisbon - once more for large funds in a fifteen million pound deal.

He was asked if he stands by his multi-million pound purchase, who is yet to score in seven outings for Rangers.

"Absolutely, completely," Thelwell answered. "I think the striker represents who's possesses huge potential.
"I've never questioned him in any way. Again, I believe Danny will assist in get the best out of Youssef.
"These are early days for the young player, he remains young talent and naturally with young talents they occasionally require patience.
"However, I'm convinced throughout of his time here he's going to prove that he is highly capable footballer."

The CEO Acknowledges Supporters' Frustration and Anger

Stewart was also in the media scrutiny, given the vitriol that has been aimed his way by certain of the club's fans.

There was even a banner in the Sandy Jardine stand during the last draw with Dundee United suggesting Stewart - and the sporting director - to depart before they were packed for them.

Like his sporting director, Stewart didn't avoid the issue.

"I totally understand the disappointment and hurt that the supporters are experiencing because performances this season haven't met expectations and no one is happy with those," he stated.
"The hurt and disappointment they feel is mirrored inside the leadership.
"Recognize that there has to be an outlet for that dissatisfaction and as chief executive, I'm responsible.
"I serve as focal point for those and my responsibility as a
Written by

Michelle Williams

A passionate collector and analyst with over a decade of experience in the trading card industry.

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