Important Lessons from Danny Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Press Conference
Rohl spoke to journalists for approximately half an hour during his first press conference
- Published2 hours ago
Nearly four and a half months after Russell Martin's initial media briefing as Rangers manager, successor the German coach met with the media at Ibrox for the first time.
The scale of the task facing him is widely recognized, considering his predecessor's turbulent and unsuccessful 123-day tenure.
The ex- Sheffield Wednesday boss was accompanied by chairman the chairman, along with the much-criticized pair of sporting director Thelwell and chief executive Stewart.
But what precisely did we learn from the young German's maiden media outing as the club's manager?
The Manager's Main Priority - Winning is Everything
One thing emerged loud and clear from Rohl's first appearance in front of the local press - he understands the necessity to secure victories, and achieve this rapidly.
The previous manager Russell Martin managed just 17 matches and 123 days in charge, so the inquiry arose about what timeframe Rohl believes is realistic to turn around the underperforming team.
Although deftly avoiding a direct answer that could bring later expectations, Rohl's communication was quite clear.
"Hopefully as soon as possible," he stated. "That is crucial.
"In football you have not much time. You can discuss long-term vision but we know it concerns immediate results and the short-term involves winning games. That is my requirement.
"One thing remains obvious - I require every squad member to understand how we want to play. I return to my primary message: it's winning, entertaining football and unity. By following this sequence, I believe that I will remain very long here."
Pressure is Standard
The previous manager needed a police escort to exit the Falkirk Stadium after his last match as manager.
We've witnessed how toxic situations can become at football clubs when performances are poor. Protests have almost become a regular part of the matchday experience on each part of the city currently.
As the club's most youthful manager in history, the question was posed about what qualities the coach thinks he has that would enable him to handle, let alone thrive, in one of the highest-pressure roles in UK soccer?
"In my opinion pressure in this business are standard," he stated. "One needs to understand that rapidly.
"I think certain individuals could reference my youth but I have been 16 years on this path. I had an excellent opportunity to work with Bayern Munich and serve as just the assistant coach, but I felt what it means to be a head coach and the pressure you face.
"When you start getting results and then certain people will say you must produce entertaining soccer. That's the next stage but precisely what I want. I relish that challenge and I look forward for what's ahead."
Thelwell Defends Chermiti Signing & Appointing His Son
There were plenty of questions from journalists for Thelwell.
Significant attention has focused on the hiring of his son as head of recruitment, with supporters unconvinced about his credentials for the role.
Nevertheless, he justified and clarified the choice to recruit Thelwell Jnr to the club.
"It's always uncomfortable to hear and optically I think everyone understood when we took this decision to appoint Robbie that he'd be seen negatively," Thelwell said.
"The truth of circumstances is that we aim to attract the top players to this club.
"My perspective on Robbie's career and situation is he didn't need family help in soccer.
"He's worked at Villa as a senior scout, after which he joined Norwich as head of scouting and then got promoted to development role.
"Prior to our hiring him, multiple top division clubs sought to sign him. What we did from the start of proceedings was discuss with the CEO, Andrew and vice-chairman Marathe about this matter.
"I was highly transparent and I believe Robbie probably experienced a more rigorous procedure than anybody else who's employed by the team.
"I'm certain is that he'll labor constantly to achieve success for Rangers and I'm looking forward seeing him proving that he'll become an excellent employee for Rangers."
Additionally, Thelwell supported the signing of forward Youssef Chermiti, who joined the club for a reported initial fee of £8m, after failing to score in 24 appearances for Everton.
It was Thelwell who brought the Portugal youth international to Merseyside from Sporting - again for large funds in a £15m deal.
He was asked if he supports his multi-million pound signing, who hasn't yet register in seven outings for the club.
"Absolutely, completely," Thelwell responded. "I think the striker represents who's got huge potential.
"I haven't questioned him whatsoever. Again, I believe the manager will help to maximize the potential out of Youssef.
"These are initial stages for him, he's a promising prospect and naturally with young talents they occasionally require patience.
"But I'm certain over the course of his career at the club he's going to prove that he's a highly capable player."
Stewart Understands Fan Disappointment and Anger
The chief executive was facing firing line, given the criticism that has been aimed his way by certain club fans.
Additionally, there was a banner in the Sandy Jardine stand during the recent draw with United suggesting Stewart - and Thelwell - to pack his bags before they were packed for them.
Similar to the sporting director, the CEO did not avoid the issue.
"I totally understand the disappointment and anger that fans are experiencing because performances this season haven't met expectations and no one is happy with those," he said.
"The pain and disappointment fans experience is matched within the leadership.
"Also understand that there must exist a channel for that dissatisfaction and as chief executive, I'm responsible.
"I'm a focal point for such issues and my role as a