Rabiu AminuDanny Röhl’s Blueprint for Rangers Revival: January Overhaul on the Horizon
In the wake of a disheartening 3-1 extra-time defeat to arch-rivals Celtic in the Scottish League Cup semi-final, Rangers FC finds itself at a crossroads. Third in the Premiership after 10 games, trailing leaders Hearts by a daunting 14 points and Celtic by five, the Ibrox faithful are yearning for a spark. Enter Danny Röhl, the German tactician whose appointment in October has injected a dose of pragmatism into a squad adrift under previous stewardship.
Röhl, fresh from steering Sheffield Wednesday to safety last season, wasted no time in diagnosing the Gers’ ailments: defensive frailties, midfield lethargy, and a toothless attack that has mustered just 15 league goals. “We’re not complete yet,” Röhl admitted post-Roma humbling in the Europa League, where Rangers’ lack of physicality was exposed in a 2-0 loss. His vision? A “season-defining reset” in January, blending tactical flexibility with shrewd recruitment to reignite the title chase and European ambitions.
At the core of Röhl’s revival plan is a back-three system—deployed as a pragmatic stopgap—evolving into a dynamic setup that demands “steel and energy” across the park. Early wins over Kilmarnock and Hibs hint at progress, but Röhl knows reinforcements are non-negotiable. Chairman Andrew Cavenagh has greenlit extra funds, signaling boardroom buy-in for a squad refresh.
The January transfer window looms as Röhl’s proving ground, with three priority swoops earmarked to transform Rangers’ fortunes. First, a commanding centre-back to shore up the rearguard, where options like John Souttar and Derek Cornelius have faltered. Top of the wishlist: Genk’s Mujaid Sadick, the 6ft 1in Spanish powerhouse whose physical edge could neutralize aerial threats—ironic, given his role in Genk’s earlier Ibrox victory.
Midfield mobility follows, targeting a high-energy dynamo to supplant the underfiring Nicolas Raskin, infusing pace where Rangers have appeared stagnant. Finally, a prolific striker to end the goal drought, as captain James Tavernier’s set-piece heroics can’t shoulder the burden alone. Röhl’s coy on specifics but emphasized the need for a “clinical finisher” amid whispers of continental raids.
Funding this ambition requires tough calls. Summer signings Youssef Chermiti (£10m from Everton), Thelo Aasgaard (£4m) and Bojan Miovski (from Girona)—netting a paltry four goals combined—must be offloaded to recoup cash and clear space. “We can’t carry dead weight,” Röhl reportedly told recruitment chiefs in a recent summit.
If executed, Röhl’s blueprint could catapult Rangers back into contention, blending German efficiency with Scottish grit. As winter bites, Ibrox pulses with cautious optimism: revival isn’t a dream—it’s a deadline.
Qudus Salihu
Mustapha Sheidu
