Qudus Salihu
Rangers Head Coach Danny Rohl left the post-match interviewer genuinely “in awe” with his detailed and perfect analysis of defender Emmanuel Fernandez following the 1-0 win over Hibernian at Ibrox.
The match, secured by a 35th-minute header from Fernandez following a Dujon Sterling cross, was a crucial win for Rohl’s side, lifting them up the Premiership table. Fernandez, a rookie centre-back who has struggled for consistent game time, delivered a decisive performance at both ends of the pitch—a massive turnaround after he was recently highlighted for defensive lapses during the club’s European exit.
In his post-match interview, Rohl did not just offer a simple compliment; he launched into a surgical breakdown of the defender’s display. He highlighted Fernandez’s “aggressive positioning,” noting that the defender was successfully winning the majority of his aerial duels (including the winning goal), and crucially, that he was executing the quick, decisive passes out from the back that Rohl demands.
Rohl’s detailed assessment reportedly impressed the interviewer, who noted the German coach’s ability to recall specific tactical instances. Rohl stressed that while Fernandez had made errors previously—which he was quick to point out earlier in the season—his response in training and his tactical execution against Hibs were exactly what he expects from his players. “He is a 6’4″ defender, he must command the air, and he did. But today, the most important thing was the calmness on the ball,” Rohl stated, praising the 89% passing accuracy the defender had achieved.
The manager’s forensic analysis was seen as a clear signal to the squad: Rohl sees everything, but if players like Fernandez respond to criticism and implement his tactical plan perfectly, they will be rewarded with the manager’s public backing.
Qudus Salihu
Mustapha Sheidu