Qudus SalihuRangers Head Coach Danny Röhl has ignited a firestorm of controversy at Ibrox after news leaked regarding his intended starting XI for the crucial Europa League clash against Ferencváros. With the match yet to be played, the manager is already facing heavy criticism for a “disgraceful” risk, centering on his decision to bench the reliable Bojan Miovski in favor of the struggling summer signing, Youssef Chermiti. The specific focus of the fans’ anger is the perceived risk associated with dropping Miovski, who is widely regarded as the club’s most clinical goal threat and is currently in good domestic form. Opting for Chermiti—who has struggled to adapt to the intensity of the Scottish game and lacked composure in front of goal—is viewed by many supporters as an immediate tactical blunder before a ball has even been kicked. “How can you bench your best striker for the biggest game of the season? It’s completely disgraceful and shows Röhl doesn’t understand the magnitude of this European night,” a prominent supporter wrote on a fan forum, summarizing the mounting pre-match panic. The selection choice is seen not just as a rotational decision, but a high-stakes gamble on the club’s European ambition. The fans believe that by choosing the less prolific Chermiti, Röhl is prioritizing the development of a long-term investment over securing a vital result needed for progression. The disappointment is palpable: they fear Röhl is sacrificing a must-win opportunity by not putting his strongest, most in-form XI on the pitch. The division is stark. While a few voices defend Röhl’s right to manage the squad and empower Chermiti, the overwhelming majority feel the manager is showing an alarming disconnect from the necessity of winning now. Should the match end in a poor result, this pre-match decision will undoubtedly become the central focus of the inevitable post-mortem, proving that at Ibrox, sometimes the biggest battles are fought before the kick-off whistle.
Qudus Salihu
Mustapha Sheidu
Rabiu Aminu