Glasgow Rangers have presented their new head coach—and he is German: Danny Röhl (36) is taking over the struggling Scottish top club. The agreement comes as quite a surprise.
Only one win from their first eight games in the Scottish Premiership. Glasgow Rangers have had an alarmingly poor start to the season, resulting in Russell Martin having to step down on October 6. There has been no improvement since then, which is why the search for a suitable successor has been in full swing.
However, the search proved to be quite difficult. First, the preferred candidate, Steven Gerrard, turned down his former club (from July 2018 to November 2021), before German Danny Röhl also rejected the job offer, according to consistent media reports. Kevin Muscat was said to be in promising negotiations, but he preferred to stay in China, where the Australian is heading for his second championship in a row. The former assistant to Hansi Flick – at FC Bayern and the German national team – has been given a contract with Rangers until June 30, 2028. “It is a great privilege to take on the role of head coach at such an incredible club, which is recognized worldwide,” said Röhl in his first statement: “I know it’s been a difficult start to the season, but there are still so many games to play in four competitions. My team and I will give everything to reward the fans and the club.”
Röhl is well aware that “the fans want to see results now.” But he believes the team has the potential to deliver. Those in charge also see this potential in Röhl. Speaking about Andrew Cavenagh, for example, the chairman said: “Danny impressed us with his vision, his character, and his understanding of what Rangers stand for. We believe he can help restore pride, momentum, and ultimately success.”
With their backs against the wall in the Europa League too
Röhl had been in charge of English second division club Sheffield Wednesday until July, before leaving of his own accord twelve days before the start of the season due to financial difficulties. Röhl had certainly made an impression at the Owls, leading the club to safety twice—in his first season in a seemingly hopeless situation in dramatic fashion on the last day of the season, and then quite confidently in his second.
Now he faces a mammoth task at the top Scottish club. In addition to the league, Rangers have also botched their Europa League start – with two defeats from two games, the traditional club already has its back against the wall. Röhl will make his debut at Brann Bergen on Thursday.
In any case, it is a task that will attract different attention and emotions than Röhl’s first job as head coach. Before his suspension, his predecessor Martin was escorted out of the stadium by police, while angry fans tried to prevent the Rangers team bus from leaving the stadium.
