Danny Rohl targets immediate impact at Rangers after becoming their new boss

Danny Rohl aims to make an immediate impact at Rangers after calling it a “privilege” to be appointed as the club’s new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

The 36-year-old former Sheffield Wednesday boss had ruled himself out of the race to become Russell Martin’s successor last week, when Kevin Muscat appeared to be front-runner, but Rohl was confirmed as Gers boss on Monday afternoon.

The German will take charge for the first time in Thursday’s Europa League clash with Brann in Norway and he is aware that time is not on his side.

Martin’s short tenure proved disastrous and Rangers sit sixth in the William Hill Premiership after eight fixtures, 13 points behind leaders Hearts and having lost their first two Europa League fixtures to Genk and Sturm Graz.

Rohl, who is understood to be bringing in a local coach with Rangers connections, told the club’s website: “It is a huge privilege to be taking on the role of head coach at such an incredible club, recognised around the world.

“I know it has been a difficult start to the season, but there is still so much to play for in four competitions, and my staff and I will give it everything to reward the supporters and the club.

“The expectations here are clear.

“The fans want to see results now – my mentality and experience is to think in exactly the same way and I have belief in the players that we can achieve this.

“We have no time to waste, we start straight away. I respect that trust is earned and understand we have to give the supporters confidence in what we are doing by showing it on the pitch from the start.

“Rangers is built on a tradition of hard work, unity and success – that is exactly what you will get from me and what I want my team to represent for all of you.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the squad and getting down to work ahead of Thursday’s game away to Brann.”

Rohl began his coaching career at RB Leipzig, where he progressed to assisting Ralph Hasenhuttl before following him to Southampton in 2018.

He then became assistant manager to Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich in 2019, helping the club win the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League in his first season with further success in year two.

Flick and Rohl then moved on to the German national team for the 2022 World Cup.

Rohl became a manager for the first time in October 2023 and guided Sheffield Wednesday away from relegation trouble in the Championship before finishing 12th in his second season and leaving the troubled Yorkshire club in the summer.

Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard was the original favourite to take over from Martin but he pulled himself out of the race after talks with the Ibrox board.

Chairman Andrew Cavenagh described Rohl as a “strong fit” for the Light Blues.

He said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Danny to Rangers. An ambitious coach who shares the club’s hunger for progress and success. His experience at elite level, in high-pressure environments, makes him a strong fit for what we expect here.

“We know the past few months have been challenging, but our focus has always been on getting the right person, who is ready to immediately embrace this football club and the demands that come with it.

“Danny impressed us with his vision, his character and his understanding of what Rangers stands for. We believe he can help restore pride, momentum, and ultimately success.”