Challenges Ahead for Rangers' New Head Coach
Another chapter begins for the Rangers' head coach, marked by timidity, defensive vulnerabilities, and an uninspired attack, as wide players struggle to make an impact.
In yet another disappointing match, Rangers faced a defeat that brought no goals, no points, and no positives to take away.
In recent seasons, despite their shortcomings, Rangers have competed fiercely against teams like Athletic Bilbao, Benfica, Red Bull Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund.
Now, however, they find themselves outmatched by Brann, Norway's third-best team.
The decline in standards has been alarming. It's not merely a lack of skill among the Rangers players; it’s also a deficiency in character and the will to fight. Coach Danny Rohl must be questioning the challenges he has taken on.
Before Brann scored their first easy goal, followed by a soft second and a third that turned Rohl's debut into a nightmare, there was a moment that likely sent a chill down the spine of the new Rangers boss.
Rohl advocates for speed, intensity, pressing, and hunting, yet saw little of that from his players. They resembled the same team that struggled under Russell Martin, faltered under Philippe Clement, and declined during Michael Beale's tenure.
What Rohl observed was a lack of organization and belief, although they managed to hold on at 0-0 for a time, perhaps even benefiting from a bit of luck. They should have taken the lead when Youssef Chermiti missed a glaring opportunity, failing to convert a well-placed cross from Nico Raskin with a weak header.
'Chermiti as a Symbol of Rangers' Struggles'
This miss was likely the first red flag for Rohl. Chermiti’s failure to score was compounded by the fact that he never truly threatened to do so.
His effort was lackluster, reflecting a lack of confidence and the struggles of a young player. However, he represents an £8 million investment from Rangers.
By the time he left the pitch late in the second half, Chermiti's goal tally across his time at Rangers, Everton, and Sporting stood at just three goals in over 25 hours of play.
The header he managed was the only touch he had in the Brann penalty area throughout the match, revealing the team’s inability to create chances. His passing accuracy was among the lowest on the field, and he won only four out of 13 duels.
While Chermiti may eventually find his form, Rohl cannot afford to wait, and it’s likely that if given the £8 million spent on the striker, he would consider alternative investments.
Chermiti is a project championed by Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell, who has publicly praised his potential. Thelwell's unwavering faith in the £8 million signing is notable, especially considering Chermiti's last senior goal was scored in May 2023.
Currently, he symbolizes the problems facing Rangers and the challenges Rohl must address—poor decision-making and the paradox of investing heavily in a team that has only worsened.
Rangers have spent over £30 million on transfers and loans since the summer, only to suffer humiliation at the hands of Brann. It is truly astonishing.
One must sympathize with Rohl. His credentials are impressive, having worked with Bayern Munich and the German national team. Esteemed figures in management speak highly of his abilities, and his time at Sheffield Wednesday showcased his capacity as a respected leader.
While it’s easy to dismiss Sheffield Wednesday as 'not Rangers', it was still a high-pressure role at a club with a notoriously difficult owner, and he handled it commendably.
Now, he has a supportive owner and a club hierarchy eager for his success, yet he must contend with players who seem overwhelmed by their own insecurities.
These players, burdened by past failures and the harsh criticisms from fans, are lacking in self-belief. Rohl faces more than just a coaching challenge; he might need to bring in sports psychologists.
This is not a trivial matter. The players lost all confidence when Brann scored their second goal with a free header from a set piece, leaving them demoralized.
Rangers defenders argued amongst themselves, but this fragility has been evident for some time, as they have conceded 15 goals in their last five European matches.
For Rohl, this experience must serve as a wake-up call about the extensive work ahead. He may have been aware of the challenges, but he certainly understands them now.
The qualities he seeks from his team—quick thinking, swift movement, aggression, unity, and relentless effort—are far removed from the current reality, which contributed to Martin's downfall, though Martin's own decisions played a significant role.
As is customary at Rangers, the initial excitement of a new appointment fades quickly. Rohl is now confronted with the harsh reality of his demanding new role.