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Key Takeaways from Danny Rohl's Rangers Press Conference

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl spoke to journalists for nearly half an hour during his first press conference

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    2 hours ago

Nearly 135 days following the previous coach's first press conference as the club's manager, his replacement the German coach met with the media at Rangers' stadium for the initial occasion.

The magnitude of the task facing him is well known, given his predecessor's turbulent and unsuccessful 123-day spell.

The former Wednesday manager was accompanied by chairman Andrew Cavenagh, along with the much-criticized duo of sporting director Thelwell and CEO Stewart.

However, what exactly was revealed from the 36-year-old German's maiden media outing as Rangers boss?

The Manager's Main Priority - Victory Comes First

One thing came through clearly from the new coach's first appearance before the Scottish media - he recognizes the necessity to secure victories, and do so quickly.

The previous manager Martin managed just 17 matches and 123 days in charge, so the inquiry arose about how long the new man believes is realistic to turn around the struggling squad.

While skillfully avoiding a direct answer that might create later expectations, the coach's message was quite clear.

"Hopefully as soon as possible," he stated. "This is crucial.
"In football you have not much opportunity. One can talk about future plans but we know it's about immediate results and that period involves winning games. This is what I demand.
"One thing remains clear - I require all players to comprehend how we want to play. I come back to my primary message: victory comes first, entertaining football and it's together. By following this sequence, I believe that I will remain very long at the club."

Pressure is Standard

Danny Rohl press conference

Martin required a police escort to exit the stadium after his last game in charge.

We've seen how hostile environments can become at sports teams when results are poor. Demonstrations have nearly become a regular aspect of the matchday atmosphere on both sides of the city currently.

As Rangers' youngest ever head coach, the question was posed about which attributes the coach thinks he has that would enable him to cope, never mind excel, in among the most pressurized positions in British football?

"In my opinion expectations in football are standard," he stated. "One needs to understand that rapidly.
"I believe some people could reference my youth but I'm 16 years on this path. I had an excellent chance to be at Bayern Munich and serve as only an assistant manager, but I felt what it means to be a head coach and the pressure you face.
"You begin winning games and then some critics will say you must play attractive football. That becomes the phase but that's exactly what I want. I enjoy those expectations and I'm excited about what's ahead."

Thelwell Explains Striker Acquisition & Appointing Family Member

Kevin Thelwell media conference

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

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

However, he defended and explained the choice to bring Thelwell Jnr to the club.

"It's always awkward to listen and in appearance I think everyone understood when we made this step to hire him that he would be seen in a particular way," Thelwell stated.
"The truth of the situation is that we want to bring the very best talent to this club.
"My perspective on Robbie's career and situation is he required no family help in football.
"He's worked at Aston Villa as head scout, after which he moved to Norwich City as head of scouting and then got promoted to player pathways manager.
"Prior to our hiring him, two Premier League clubs wanted to sign him. Our approach from the start of proceedings was discuss with Patrick, the chairman and deputy chairman Paraag Marathe about this situation.
"I remained highly transparent and I think he likely experienced a more rigorous procedure than anybody else who's employed by the team.
"What I do know is that he will work 25/8 to achieve success for Rangers and I'm looking forward seeing him proving that he'll become a valuable staff member for the club."

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

The sporting director who transferred the Portuguese young international to Merseyside from Sporting - again for large funds in a fifteen million pound deal.

He was asked if he supports his multi-million pound purchase, who is yet to score in seven matches for the club.

"Yes, very much so," Thelwell responded. "I believe the striker represents who's possesses huge potential.
"I haven't questioned him whatsoever. Similarly, I believe Danny will help to get the best out of the player.
"It's very initial stages for him, he remains young talent and naturally with young talents they sometimes take time.
"However, I'm convinced throughout of his time here he's going to prove that he's a very, very good footballer."

The CEO Acknowledges Supporters' Disappointment and Anger

The chief executive was in the media firing line, considering the criticism that has been directed at him by some of the club's own supporters.

There was even a banner in the Sandy Jardine stand during the last draw with United suggesting Stewart - and the sporting director - to pack his bags before being removed for them.

Similar to the sporting director, the CEO did not evade the issue.

"I completely appreciate the frustration and hurt that fans are experiencing because results recently haven't been expectations and nobody's satisfied with those," he stated.
"The pain and frustration they feel is matched inside the leadership.
"Recognize that there must exist a channel for that dissatisfaction and in my role, that's me.
"I serve as focal point for those and my role as a
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Jeffrey Phillips

A passionate writer and content strategist with over a decade of experience in digital media and storytelling.

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