Danny Rohr has only been in charge of Rangers for 78 days, but he is already making his mark as they look to win titles.
In his first game as Germany’s manager, he apologized to the traveling fans after a 3-0 defeat to Brann in the Europa League, resulting in a nine-game winless run and a sixth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership.
At the time of Rolle’s appointment, Rangers were eight points behind Celtic and 13 points behind leaders Hearts. A win against Aberdeen on Tuesday night, broadcast live on Sky Sports, would move them three points clear of their Old Firm rivals and within three points of the Jambos.
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Watch highlights from the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers.
They made a sensational comeback against Celtic on Saturday, improving their record to nine wins, two draws and one loss.
The 36-year-old was brought in to rebuild a disintegrated team and win back fans after Russell Martin’s disastrous 123-day stint in charge.
That defeat in Norway showed him just what he was up against, but 11 weeks on and the outlook at Ibrox is decidedly more optimistic.
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Rangers head coach Danny Rolle talks about the title race, transfer window and more ahead of Tuesday night’s Scottish Premiership clash with Aberdeen. It will be broadcast live on Sky from 7pm.
“Looking back at the first game in Bergen and how it was, I think it was a difficult moment. Now, two and a half months later, it’s a completely different moment,” he said after the 3-1 win at Celtic Park.
“Our fans, our supporters, praise one player and support us as a group. But I also know that we are a demanding club. It’s not about enjoying too long, it’s about the next game (match) and I’m hungry for more.”
Resilience under roll
Rangers under Roll
Roll has transformed the struggling team built by Martin and former sporting director Kevin Thelwell into one with a realistic chance of winning a title.
Before the Old Firm clash, their wins had never been convincing. While effective, statements don’t win.
Saturday was different.
Facing a deficit at half-time, the head coach brought on Mohamed Diomande, made a few adjustments to the shape, and organized his team to put more pressure on the ball.
Rangers’ Yusef Cermiti doubles his season points tally with a double at Celtic Park
Youssef Cermiti has struggled to live up to his £8m price tag since joining from Everton in the summer, scoring just two goals in nine games.
The 21-year-old was given the freedom to push towards goal, doubling his tally for the season. He looked like a player who was going to grow in confidence.
“I believe we can score, I believe we can win the game, and I believe that even if we had a bad 45 minutes or a bad 45 minutes, we can now turn things in the right direction and that will help us on our journey,” Rohr said. “Now, let’s repeat this over and over again.”
Jack Butland impressed for Rangers
Jack Butland came into his own against Celtic and his saves were as important as Charmity’s and Mikey Moore’s goals.
The former England goalkeeper was blamed for the defeat to Hearts in December, but responded with three superb performances in wins over Motherwell, St Mirren and Celtic.
Rohr spoke in January of his desire to further increase his firepower and won the right to board support.
“At the moment we are working hard to do something,” he told Sky Sports News ahead of the match against Aberdeen.
“I have full confidence in the board. We have a clear picture, but at the moment we are working on some things and are in the process of doing so, after which a final decision will be made.”
“But I think the good thing was (the win against Celtic) was a big statement for the players that they are a growing group.”
If the club can make a few strong signings while also releasing some of their best players, Danny Rolle could lead Rangers to a title no one expected at the start of this season.
