Rohl spoke to the media for approximately 30 minutes during his first press conference
- Published2 hours ago
Nearly four and a half months after Russell Martin's initial media briefing as Rangers head coach, successor Danny Rohl faced the media at Ibrox for the initial occasion.
The magnitude of the challenge ahead of him is widely recognized, given Martin's chaotic and disappointing 123-day tenure.
The ex- Sheffield Wednesday boss was accompanied by club chairman the chairman, along with the frequently questioned pair of sporting director Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart.
But what exactly did we learn from the 36-year-old German's first public appearance as Rangers boss?
Rohl's Primary Focus - Victory is Everything
A single message emerged clearly from Rohl's initial presentation before the local press - he understands the need to secure victories, and do so rapidly.
The previous manager Martin managed just 17 games and four months in charge, so the question emerged about what timeframe Rohl believes is reasonable to turn around the underperforming team.
While skillfully avoiding a specific response that might create future pressure, Rohl's communication was quite clear.
"With hope very quickly," he said. "This is essential.
"In football you have limited time. One can talk about long-term vision but it's understood it concerns the short-term and that period involves winning games. This is my requirement.
"One thing is also obvious - I require all players to understand our intended to play. I come back to my primary theme: it's winning, it's attractive and it's together. By following this order, I'm convinced that I will remain very long at the club."
Expectations are Normal
The previous manager needed a police escort to exit the Falkirk Stadium after his last game in charge.
We've witnessed how toxic environments can turn at sports teams when performances are poor. Protests have nearly become a regular aspect of the matchday experience on both sides of Glasgow currently.
As Rangers' youngest ever head coach, the question asked about what qualities the coach thinks he possesses that would allow him to cope, let alone thrive, in among the most pressurized roles in British football?
"In my opinion expectations in this business are standard," he commented. "One needs to understand that very quickly.
"I believe certain individuals might mention my age but I'm a decade and a half on this path. I had a great opportunity to work with Bayern Munich and be just the assistant manager, but I experienced the reality to manage a team and the pressure you face.
"You begin winning games and then some critics claim you need to produce entertaining football. That's the next phase but that's exactly my intention. I relish those expectations and I look forward about what's ahead."
The Sporting Director Defends Striker Acquisition & Appointing Family Member
The media pack had numerous inquiries from the media for Thelwell.
Much discussion has focused on the appointment of his son as recruitment chief, with fans skeptical about his credentials for the role.
Nevertheless, he defended and explained the choice to bring Thelwell Jnr to Ibrox.
"It's always awkward to listen and in appearance I think we all agreed when we took this step to appoint him that he would be viewed in a particular way," Thelwell said.
"The reality of the situation is that we want to bring the very best players to this club.
"My view on his professional path and background is he didn't need family help in football.
"He's worked at Villa as head scout, after which he moved to Norwich as scouting chief and then got promoted to development role.
"Before we recruited him, multiple top division teams wanted to sign him. Our approach right at the start of proceedings was consult with Patrick, the chairman and vice-chairman Marathe about this matter.
"I remained highly open and I think he likely experienced a more rigorous procedure than anybody else employee by this football club.
"I'm certain is that he will work constantly to be successful for Rangers and I anticipate to him proving that he's going to be a valuable employee for Rangers."
Thelwell also supported the signing of forward Youssef Chermiti, who joined the club for an alleged initial fee of £8m, after failing to find the net in 24 appearances for Everton.
The sporting director who brought the Portuguese youth international to Merseyside from Sporting - once more for large funds in a £15m deal.
The question came if he stands by his expensive signing, who is yet to register in seven outings for Rangers.
"Absolutely, completely," Thelwell answered. "I believe Youssef Chermiti is a player who's got great ability.
"I've never doubted him in any way. Again, I believe the manager will assist in get the best out of Youssef.
"These are initial stages for the young player, he remains young talent and naturally with young talents they sometimes take time.
"But I'm certain over the course of his career at the club he's going to prove that he is very, very good player."
The CEO Understands Fan Disappointment and Anger
Stewart was also facing scrutiny, given the vitriol that has been aimed at him by certain of the club's own supporters.
Additionally, there was a sign in the Sandy Jardine stand during the last draw with Dundee United suggesting him - and the sporting director - to pack his bags before being removed for him.
Similar to the sporting director, Stewart didn't avoid the topic.
"I totally appreciate the disappointment and hurt that the supporters are experiencing because performances recently haven't been good enough and nobody's happy with those," he stated.
"The pain and disappointment they feel is mirrored inside the boardroom.
"Recognize that there has to be a channel for those frustrations and in my role, I'm responsible.
"I serve as focal point for those and my role as a