Rohl spoke to journalists for nearly 30 minutes during his introductory media appearance
- Published2 hours ago
Nearly 135 days following Russell Martin's first press conference as the club's head coach, successor the German coach faced reporters at Rangers' stadium for the first time.
The magnitude of the challenge facing him is widely recognized, given Martin's turbulent and unsuccessful 123-day spell.
The ex- Wednesday manager was joined by club chairman Andrew Cavenagh, along with the frequently questioned duo of sporting director Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart.
But what precisely was revealed from the young German's maiden media outing as the club's manager?
The Manager's Main Priority - Winning Comes First
One thing came through loud and clear from the new coach's initial presentation in front of the Scottish media - he understands the need to secure victories, and do so quickly.
His predecessor Martin managed just 17 matches and 123 days in charge, so the question arose about what timeframe the new man believes is reasonable to transform the underperforming team.
While skillfully sidestepping a specific response that might create later expectations, Rohl's message was quite clear.
"Hopefully very quickly," he stated. "This is essential.
"In football you have limited opportunity. One can talk about future plans but we know it concerns immediate results and the short-term involves securing victories. This is what I demand.
"Another aspect is also clear - I need every squad member to understand how we want to perform. I come back to my primary message: it's winning, entertaining football and it's together. By following this order, I believe that I will remain for years here."
Expectations are Standard
Martin required security protection to leave the Falkirk Stadium after his last match as manager.
We've witnessed how hostile situations can become at football clubs when performances decline. Demonstrations have almost become an expected aspect of game day atmosphere on both sides of Glasgow currently.
As Rangers' youngest manager in history, the question was posed about which attributes Rohl believes he has that would allow him to handle, never mind thrive, in among the highest-pressure roles in UK soccer?
"I think pressure in this business is normal," he stated. "One needs to understand that rapidly.
"I believe certain individuals could reference my age but I have been 16 years on this path. I experienced an excellent opportunity to be at Bayern Munich and serve as just the assistant manager, but I felt the reality to be a head coach and the demands you face.
"When you start winning games and then some critics will say you need to produce entertaining football. That becomes the phase but precisely my intention. I relish that challenge and I'm excited for the future."
The Sporting Director Explains Chermiti Signing & Appointing His Son
The media pack had plenty of inquiries from journalists for Thelwell.
Much discussion has focused on the appointment of his son as recruitment chief, with fans unconvinced about his qualifications for the role.
However, he justified and clarified the choice to recruit Thelwell Jnr to Ibrox.
"It remains uncomfortable to hear and optically I think everyone understood when we made this step to hire him that he would be seen negatively," Thelwell stated.
"The truth of circumstances is that we aim to bring the top talent to this club.
"My perspective on Robbie's career and situation is he required no my assistance in soccer.
"He served at Aston Villa as a senior scout, he then moved to Norwich as head of scouting and then was elevated to player pathways manager.
"Before we hiring him, multiple Premier League teams sought to sign him. What we did right at the beginning of the process was consult with the CEO, the chairman and vice-chairman Marathe about this situation.
"I remained highly transparent and I think Robbie probably underwent a more rigorous procedure than any other who's employed by the team.
"What I do know is that he will work constantly to achieve success for Rangers and I'm looking forward to him proving that he'll become a valuable employee for Rangers."
Additionally, Thelwell supported the acquisition of striker Youssef Chermiti, who arrived at Rangers for a reported first payment of £8m, after failing to score in 24 games for Everton.
The sporting director who brought the Portugal youth international to Merseyside from Sporting Lisbon - again for large funds in a fifteen million pound deal.
He was asked if he stands by his expensive signing, who hasn't yet register in seven matches for the club.
"Yes, completely," Thelwell responded. "I think Youssef Chermiti represents who's got huge potential.
"I've never doubted him whatsoever. Again, I think Danny will help to maximize the potential out of Youssef.
"These are early days for him, he's a promising prospect and naturally 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 highly capable player."
The CEO Understands Supporters' Disappointment and Anger
Stewart was also facing scrutiny, considering the criticism that has been aimed at him by certain club own supporters.
There was even a sign in the stadium during the last tie with Dundee United suggesting Stewart - and the sporting director - to depart before being removed for him.
Like his sporting director, the CEO did not avoid the topic.
"I completely appreciate the disappointment and anger that the supporters are experiencing because results this season haven't been good enough and nobody's happy with those," he stated.
"The hurt and frustration fans experience is matched within the leadership.
"Also understand that there has to be an outlet for those frustrations and as chief executive, that's me.
"I serve as lightning rod for those and my responsibility as a
