Rangers Narrow Gap to Hearts as Title Race Heats Up
Rangers have made a significant move by closing the gap to Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, now just three points behind. However, head coach Danny Rohl emphasizes that surpassing Celtic to secure second place is "still not what we want."
The Ibrox team secured a 2-0 victory over Aberdeen, marking their tenth win in 13 league matches since Rohl took the helm in October.
At the time of Rohl's appointment, Rangers were 13 points behind the unexpected league leaders and were positioned sixth in the standings, having won only once in their previous eight games.
Since then, Hearts are the only team to have defeated Rangers in the Premiership, propelling the Glasgow club into title contention as nearly half of the season remains.
While Rohl refrained from making bold predictions about the next 17 matches, starting with a rematch against Aberdeen at Pittodrie this Sunday, he did not dismiss the possibility of claiming a second title in 15 years.
"I am very proud of the group right now," the former Sheffield Wednesday manager told BBC Sport Scotland. "We have reduced the gap from 13 points when I arrived to just three. It’s a statement, but it’s still not what we want. We’re on a journey, and it’s about focusing on the next game on Sunday."
Rohl reflected on his experience at Sheffield Wednesday, where he took over a team that was 12 or 13 points below safety but ultimately led them to survival. "In football, anything is possible. It’s about taking small steps, building belief, restoring confidence, and trusting the players. We are in a good place, but there is still much work to do."
Notably, Rohl has achieved this success with the same squad that faced criticism during Russell Martin's troubled tenure. The German coach has focused on instilling "belief and self-confidence" in his players, who have shown remarkable improvement in recent weeks.
Rangers are expected to strengthen their squad this month, with Rohl indicating that midfield reinforcements are a priority. However, it seems unlikely that he will overlook the need for enhancements in both defense and attack.
The effectiveness of these potential signings, alongside similar moves by Hearts and Celtic in the coming weeks, will significantly influence the title race.
Former Scotland international Michael Stewart commented on Sportsound, stating, "Rohl is very aware of the team’s current position and where improvements are needed. They are not controlling and dominating games as much as he would like. He is a good manager with a keen eye for what happens on the pitch."
This assessment could equally apply to Derek McInnes at Hearts and Martin O’Neill, who has returned for a third stint at Celtic.
Considering the current landscape, the question arises: which of the three teams is favored to win the title? Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton remarked, "I think Hearts are the favorites at this moment, but it will depend on who makes the most of the January transfer window."
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd agreed, stating, "Hearts are still at the top, three points clear. Celtic dominated Rangers for 45 minutes on Saturday, and you’d expect them to gain momentum. Rangers deserve credit for their recent victories, but it’s essential not to get carried away. Danny Rohl knows there is still a long way to go, but Rangers have reinserted themselves into the title race."
What Are the Fans Saying?
Robbie: Rangers are building momentum now; I’d argue they’re favorites for the title as it stands.
Al: It has been said many times, but what an incredible job Danny Rohl has done. If someone had said back in October that this Rangers team would be just three points off the top, it would have seemed unbelievable.
Holly: It’s refreshing to see Rangers scoring from corners; it’s been years! Rohl’s focus on set pieces is clearly paying off.
Peter: Young Connor Barron is developing into something special, full of energy and confidence in his playing style; he could be a future captain if we manage to keep him.
Peggy: It seems like the team that Russell Martin built is finally coming good.