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Key Takeaways from Danny Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Press Conference

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl spoke to journalists for nearly 30 minutes during his introductory media appearance

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    2 hours ago

Nearly four and a half months after Russell Martin's first press conference as Rangers head coach, his replacement Danny Rohl met with reporters at Ibrox for the first time.

The scale of the task facing him is well known, considering Martin's turbulent and disappointing 123-day spell.

The former Wednesday manager was accompanied by club chairman the chairman, along with the frequently questioned pair of football director Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart.

However, what exactly did we learn from the young German's first public appearance as Rangers boss?

The Manager's Main Priority - Winning Comes First

A single message came through clearly from the new coach's first appearance in front of the Scottish media - he understands the need to secure victories, and achieve this rapidly.

The previous manager Russell Martin managed just 17 games and four months in charge, so the inquiry emerged about what timeframe Rohl thinks is reasonable to transform the struggling squad.

Although deftly avoiding a specific response that might create future pressure, Rohl's communication was very evident.

"Hopefully as soon as possible," he stated. "This is crucial.
"In this business you have limited opportunity. One can talk about long-term vision but it's understood it's about the short-term and the short-term involves winning games. This is what I demand.
"Another aspect remains clear - I need all players to understand how we want to perform. I come back to my primary theme: victory comes first, it's attractive and it's together. By following this sequence, I'm convinced that I will remain very long here."

Pressure is Normal

Danny Rohl press conference

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

We've seen how toxic situations can turn at football clubs when results are poor. Protests have nearly become an expected aspect of the matchday experience on both sides of the city these days.

As the club's most youthful ever head coach, the question was posed about what qualities the coach thinks he possesses that would enable him to handle, never mind excel, in one of the most pressurized roles in British football?

"In my opinion expectations in this business are standard," he stated. "You must learn that very quickly.
"I believe certain individuals might mention my age but I'm 16 years in this career. I experienced a great opportunity to be at Bayern Munich and serve as just the assistant coach, but I experienced what it means to be a head coach and the demands involved.
"When you start winning games and then certain people will say you must produce entertaining soccer. That becomes the phase but that's exactly my intention. I enjoy those expectations and I look forward about what's ahead."

Thelwell Defends Striker Acquisition & Hiring Family Member

Kevin Thelwell media conference

The media pack had plenty of questions from journalists for Thelwell.

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

Nevertheless, he justified and clarified the choice to recruit Thelwell Jnr to Ibrox.

"It's always awkward to listen and in appearance I believe everyone understood when we took this decision to hire Robbie that he'd be seen in a particular way," Thelwell said.
"The truth of circumstances is that we want to attract the top talent here.
"My view on Robbie's career and situation is he didn't need family help in soccer.
"He's worked at Villa as a senior scout, he then joined Norwich as scouting chief and then was elevated to player pathways manager.
"Prior to our recruited him, two Premier League teams wanted to sign him. What we did from the beginning of the process was consult with the CEO, the chairman and deputy chairman Paraag Marathe about this situation.
"I was extremely transparent and I believe he likely experienced a more rigorous procedure than anybody else employee by the team.
"What I do know is that he will work constantly to be successful for this football club and I'm looking forward to him demonstrating that he's going to be a valuable employee for Rangers."

Thelwell also supported the acquisition of striker Youssef Chermiti, who arrived at the club for a reported first payment of eight million pounds, having failed to find the net in 24 games for Everton.

It was Thelwell who brought the Portuguese youth international to Liverpool from Sporting - again for large funds in a fifteen million pound deal.

The question came if he supports his expensive purchase, who is yet to score in seven outings for Rangers.

"Yes, completely," Thelwell answered. "I think Youssef Chermiti is a player who's got great ability.
"I haven't questioned him in any way. Again, I think Danny will help to maximize the potential out of the player.
"It's very early days for the young player, he remains young talent and of course with inexperienced players they sometimes take time.
"However, I'm convinced throughout of his career here he's going to prove that he's a very, very good footballer."

The CEO Understands Supporters' Disappointment and Anger

Stewart was also facing scrutiny, considering the vitriol that has been directed at him by some club fans.

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

Like his sporting director, the CEO did not avoid the topic.

"I completely understand the disappointment and hurt that the supporters are experiencing because results recently haven't been expectations and no one is satisfied with those," he said.
"The hurt and frustration fans experience is mirrored within the boardroom.
"Also understand that there has to be an outlet for that dissatisfaction and as chief executive, I'm responsible.
"I'm a lightning rod for such issues and my role as a
The writer

Carly Hamilton

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in online gaming and strategy development.

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