Rangers' former manager Danny Rohl says the job was a bigger challenge than he first imagined, citing the intense pressure and emotional atmosphere of Glasgow that taught him lasting lessons now applied at Red Bull Salzburg.
What did Rohl face at Ibrox?
Rohl arrived in October 2024, replacing Russell Martin when Rangers sat sixth in the Premiership. He quickly lifted the side, and with five games left the club sat a point behind Hearts, the league leaders, after a surge that put them ahead of Celtic. Yet the title chase collapsed after the league split, and Rohl left for Salzburg in the summer of 2025. The German manager recalls the first taste of Rangers‑manager life at Dundee United, where a 10‑minute goal against Dundee sparked a sudden, volatile fan reaction.
Why was the role tougher than expected?
Rohl tells Mailsport that the intensity of Glasgow football is unmatched. "It was emotional, yes, and from a tactical view you can make an impact quickly, like the win away at Hibs," he said. He added that juggling a Europa League tie against Roma and a Scottish Cup semi‑final against Celtic made the start far from easy. The manager also notes a crucial lesson after a goal was conceded ten minutes into a Dundee match: "After wins, don’t get too emotional." He plans to carry that balance forward at Salzburg.
How did Rangers finish the 2025 season?
Rangers ended the 2025 campaign in second place in the Premiership with 69 points from 33 games (19 wins, 12 draws, 2 losses). Their goal tally stood at 66 scored and 31 conceded, a +35 difference. The club’s recent form has been mixed, with a 2‑W‑0‑D‑3‑L run (WWLLL) and a two‑game winning streak, highlighted by a 5‑2 victory over Falkirk on 16 May 2026. Their next big test is an away clash with Hearts on 28 October 2026, where Hearts sit top of the table.
What does this mean for Rangers moving forward?
Rohl’s reflections underline the thin margin between success and disappointment at Ibrox. He stresses that consistency is key: "You can win eight games in a row, but a draw or loss on the ninth can turn everything into chaos again." The manager’s candid admission of the emotional roller‑coaster offers a roadmap for future coaches, emphasizing balance, fan expectations, and the need to break the 15‑year title drought. While Rohl has moved on, his insights remain a blueprint for anyone aiming to restore Rangers to the summit of Scottish football.
