Important Lessons from Danny Rohl's Glasgow Rangers Press Conference

Danny Rohl media conference

Rohl spoke to the media for approximately 30 minutes during his first press conference

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Nearly four and a half months following the previous coach's initial media briefing as Rangers manager, his replacement Danny Rohl faced the media at Ibrox for the first time.

The scale of the challenge facing him is well known, considering his predecessor's chaotic and unsuccessful 123-day tenure.

The ex- Sheffield Wednesday manager was joined by club chairman the chairman, along with the frequently questioned duo of sporting director Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart.

But what precisely did we learn from the 36-year-old German's first public appearance as Rangers boss?

The Manager's Main Priority - Winning is Everything

One thing came through loud and clear from the new coach's initial presentation in front of the Scottish media - he recognizes the need to secure victories, and do so quickly.

The previous manager Martin lasted only 17 games and 123 days in charge, so the question emerged about what timeframe Rohl believes is realistic to transform the struggling team.

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

"With hope very quickly," he said. "That is crucial.
"In this business you have not much opportunity. One can talk about long-term vision but we know it's about immediate results and that period involves winning games. That is what I demand.
"Another aspect is also clear - I need every squad member to comprehend how we want to perform. I come back to my main theme: victory comes first, it's attractive and unity. By following this sequence, I believe that I'll stay very long at the club."

Pressure is Normal

Danny Rohl press conference

The previous manager needed a police escort to leave the stadium after his final match as manager.

We've witnessed how hostile situations can turn at sports teams when performances decline. Protests have nearly become an expected aspect of game day atmosphere on each part of Glasgow these days.

As Rangers' youngest ever head coach, the inquiry asked about what qualities Rohl believes he has that would enable him to handle, let alone thrive, in one of the most pressurized positions in UK soccer?

"I think pressure in this business are standard," he stated. "One needs to understand that rapidly.
"I believe certain individuals could reference my youth but I have been a decade and a half on this path. I had a great chance to work with Bayern Munich and serve as only an assistant manager, but I felt what it means to be a head coach and the demands you face.
"When you start getting results and then certain people will say you need to produce entertaining football. That becomes the phase but that's exactly my intention. I relish those expectations and I look forward for the future."

The Sporting Director Explains Chermiti Signing & Appointing Family Member

Kevin Thelwell media conference

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

Significant attention has concerned the hiring of Robbie Thelwell as head of recruitment, with fans unconvinced about his credentials for the position.

Nevertheless, he justified and explained the choice to recruit his son to Ibrox.

"It remains awkward to listen and in appearance I believe everyone understood when we made this step to hire him that he'd be viewed negatively," Thelwell stated.
"The reality of circumstances is that we want to bring the very best players here.
"My view on his professional path and background is he required no family help in football.
"He's worked at Villa as head scout, after which he moved to Norwich City as head of scouting and then got promoted to development role.
"Prior to our hiring him, two top division clubs wanted to sign him. Our approach from the start of proceedings was discuss with the CEO, Andrew and deputy chairman Marathe about this situation.
"I was highly open and I believe Robbie probably experienced a more rigorous procedure than any other who's employed by the team.
"What I do know is that he will work constantly to be successful for Rangers and I anticipate to him demonstrating that he'll become an excellent employee for the club."

Additionally, Thelwell defended the signing of forward Chermiti, who arrived at the club for a reported first payment of £8m, after failing to find the net in 24 games for Everton.

The sporting director who transferred the Portuguese youth international to Liverpool from Sporting - again for significant money in a £15m transfer.

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

"Yes, completely," Thelwell answered. "I believe Youssef Chermiti is a player who's got huge potential.
"I've never questioned him in any way. Similarly, I believe the manager will help to get the best out of Youssef.
"It's very initial stages for him, he's a promising prospect and of course with young talents they sometimes take time.
"However, I'm convinced over the course of his career here he's going to prove that he's a very, very good player."

The CEO Understands Supporters' Frustration and Hurt

The chief executive was facing firing line, considering the vitriol that has been aimed at him by some club fans.

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

Like his sporting director, the CEO did not evade the issue.

"I totally appreciate the frustration and anger that fans are experiencing because performances this season haven't been good enough and no one is happy with them," he said.
"The hurt and frustration fans experience is matched inside the leadership.
"Recognize that there has to be a channel for those frustrations and in my role, I'm responsible.
"I serve as lightning rod for those and my responsibility as a
Bernard Barnett
Bernard Barnett

Alex is a seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering indie and AAA titles.