With Röhl now officially installed as manager of Rangers Football Club, let’s introduce you to the new man calling the shots. He signed an initial two-and-a-half-year contract, succeeding Russell Martin at Ibrox. Röhl, who succeeded his former boss and tactical mastermind Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich and the German national team, is set to take control. He will preside over his first match Thursday against Brann in the first round of the Europa League. This made him their first choice for the role after a dramatic few days of negotiations. Though he temporarily pulled himself out of contention, he eventually won out and nabbed the appointment.
Röhl’s move from Sheffield Wednesday to Rangers is a big upward progression in his coaching journey. He has 16 years experience in coaching and talent recruitment. His unique background has provided him with interesting perspectives that he feels will immensely benefit the club’s important purposes. He expressed confidence in his ability to handle the pressure that comes with the position, stating that winning games is paramount to creating a successful environment.
First Impressions and Immediate Challenges
In those very first comments, Röhl said that, for him, the priority in the short term was reconnecting with Rangers’ supporters. He realized that having a winner is just the first step on the path to winning back their trust and excitement. “We have to amuse and win the match,” he said, emphasizing that by achieving unequivocal success on the pitch, they can develop a positive relationship with fans.
Röhl’s immediate challenge will be getting his players to adjust to his tactical philosophy. He wants to increase the tempo of their game, and he thinks that’s key to them accomplishing what they want to accomplish. “We spoke about what I want to see and I think it’s important that you have to move step by step in the direction [we want to go in],” he explained.
He highlighted the significance of collaboration with the club’s recruitment team, stating, “When we really go in one direction and we speak to each other, this is the key.” Röhl’s playing philosophy Röhl wants his team’s style of play to be characterized by intensity, spirit and togetherness. He’s convinced this approach will play extremely well with players and fans alike.
Upcoming Fixtures and Strategic Planning
Röhl’s short-term calendar is packed with pivotal fixtures that will further challenge his leadership and tactical acumen—with Kilmarnock at home on Sunday after that—as his debut. Then, on October 29, he’ll travel to the Edinburgh-area club Hibernian for an away match. The squad now heads into a highly anticipated League Cup semi-final against Celtic on November 2. Soon after, they’ll be back in UEFA Europa League-style against Roma on November 6 and they’ll finish up with a contest at Dundee in the Scottish Premiership on November 9.
Röhl acknowledged the pressure inherent in managing a club of Rangers’ stature but indicated that he is well-prepared for it. “Pressure in this business is usual. You have to learn this quickly,” he remarked, reflecting on his extensive experience in football management.
He believes that consistency is vital. “The first step is, and this is the huge one, we need wins in a row. I think this is very important because with wins in a row you can create self-confidence.” His insistence on creating momentum through a series of wins emphasizes his desire to change the climate around the franchise.
Building Relationships and Looking Ahead
As Röhl dives into this new chapter at Rangers, he hopes to create a more collective environment in the club. He plans to work closely with Kevin Thelwell and his son Robbie on player transfers, ensuring that recruitment aligns with his vision for the team’s playing style. Röhl’s past experiences have led him to realize the importance of recruitment in creating a winning team.
Reflecting on his time at Bayern Munich and his desire for growth as a head coach, Röhl stated, “I had a great opportunity to work at Bayern and I’ve felt what it means to be a head coach. We need to win games.” His profound knowledge of what it requires to win big will be invaluable. As the Rangers start this important new chapter, there may be no better person than Chris to lead them.
Röhl’s plan seems methodical indeed. He knows that while quick wins are important, lasting success takes time and you need the long game to win it. “You can be the first, the second or the third choice. The important thing is that you win the next games and then you have to go forward,” he explained.
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