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Danny Rohl and Rangers have ended the club’s prolonged wait for a home league victory.
While it is premature to declare a full recovery, there’s a compelling case to suggest that the initial signs of resurgence are evident under the leadership of Rangers’ new head coach, Danny Rohl.
No one at Ibrox is likely to be overly exuberant about Sunday’s home triumph over Kilmarnock.
Nevertheless, several noteworthy threads of optimism appear to be emerging from what has been the club’s most challenging start to a season in recent memory.
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It’s important not to underestimate the significance of the three points secured under the German’s guidance. In four prior attempts under Russell Martin and interim manager Steven Smith, Rangers had been unable to secure a Premiership win at Ibrox.
Dundee, Celtic, Hearts, and Dundee United had all left Govan with positive results. However, in his first league game in charge, and under considerable pressure following the Europa League defeat to Brann in Bergen, Rohl delivered the victory that the fans both demanded and craved.
The victory was achieved with a degree of flair. Three goals, two disallowed goals, and a goal-line clearance were among the memorable moments. While the performance was not flawless, it represented a clear improvement over previous displays, even considering Kilmarnock’s contribution to their own downfall.
In only his second managerial role and at the relatively young age of 36 (in football management terms), the German is clearly not hesitant to make significant decisions when necessary.
Following the 3-0 defeat by Brann, he dropped Youssef Chermiti, Nasser Djiga, Joe Rothwell, and Oliver Antman. Bojan Miovski and Danilo were reinstated to the starting lineup, with Rangers opting for two strikers instead of a lone frontman with two wide attackers.
This did not mean a lack of width. Indeed, there was plenty, with Rohl pushing Thelo Aasgard and Djeidi Gassama down the flanks when the home side had comfortable possession, at times creating a 4-2-4 formation in attack. This could also shift to a back five, with James Tavernier, John Souttar, and Derek Cornelius as the central three, and Gassama and the quick Jayden Meghoma as attacking wing-backs.
There was nothing inflexible about this Rangers side – flexibility and adaptability were key.
Prior to Sunday, Rangers’ football had often been somewhat laborious and predictable. There was greater energy and speed in the first domestic showing under Rohl’s leadership.
The entire team moved up the pitch with greater speed, the passing was sharper, and with the overloads in wide areas, Kilmarnock found themselves pinned back for significant periods of the match.
The Ibrox crowd certainly responded to the newfound intensity from the players. To the tune of Daddy Cool by Boney M, “Danny, Danny Rohl” echoed from the stands for much of the second half.
The supporters could see that the new head coach was implementing something different and eliciting a response from his players. For the first time this season, is there a proper synergy emerging between head coach, players, and fans? The next few games will be telling.
There were several “firsts,” which collectively amounted to something significant: the first win of the Rohl era, with Rangers finally shedding the distinction of being the only team in the Scottish Premiership yet to win in front of their own supporters.
A first Rangers goal for new defender Derek Cornelius, who was solid in defense and a threat at the other end of the pitch.
A first Premiership goal since January’s derby win over Celtic for Brazilian striker Danilo, who had largely been overlooked amid the arrival of fellow forwards Chermiti, Miovski, Antman, Gassama, and Mikey Moore. The manner in which he took his opportunity, with a well-placed header from Meghoma’s excellent cross, suggests his eye for goal has not deserted him as he makes a case for greater involvement in the coming weeks and months.
The most significant goal, however, was undoubtedly Chermiti’s. An £8 million price tag weighs heavily when underperforming, and he had appeared somewhat lost in a Rangers shirt until Sunday. The Portuguese striker appeared much more threatening against Kilmarnock, and his powerful strike eased the pressure within the stadium and the burden on his young shoulders. It was his first goal in senior football since May 2023, and his manager clearly believes in his talent.
“That’s a big goal for him,” Rohl told BBC Scotland after the game.
“He came here with a reputation and he cost a lot of money. He is also demanding of himself. We will improve him step by step. He has something special and I think we saw that with the goal today.
“He still has things to improve, especially in the pressing, which moment he has to go, with which intensity, in which moment he has to drop to cover the inside and the middle. We can work more on the next parts of his game.”
If the Ibrox side can maintain this newfound energy, seemingly acquired in a few training sessions under Rohl, they will approach a potentially season-defining week with greater optimism.
They are at Easter Road on Wednesday night to face third-placed Hibs. An away win would take them above David Gray’s side. Then there is the matter of arch-rivals Celtic in the second Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden next Sunday.
If Rohl can build momentum and secure three consecutive wins, he would be one game away from his first trophy. One half of the Glasgow duo will face either St Mirren or Motherwell at the national stadium in December. Scottish football’s newest import is embracing the challenge.
“When you take over and you see the schedule and you know that the pressure is on, every result is then important,” Rohl declared, with a smile.
“Now we have the next game on Wednesday then a big, big game ahead. We’ll do the next game first, try to have a good performance, improve the next steps and then we go to the next game.”
A few weeks ago, Rangers fans might have dreaded the thought of heading to Hampden to face Celtic. Now, they may approach the national stadium with renewed hope.
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