Danny Röhl Accused of Throwing Players ‘Under the Bus’ After Hearts Defeat

Danny Röhl Accused of Throwing Players ‘Under the Bus’ After Hearts Defeat

Rangers head coach Danny Röhl has faced backlash from fans and pundits following his explosive post-match interview after a 2-1 defeat to league leaders Hearts on December 21, 2025. The loss at Tynecastle ended Rangers’ unbeaten league run under the German manager and left them 12 points adrift at Christmas, dealing a blow to their title aspirations.

In a candid and frustrated press conference, Röhl pinpointed a disastrous “four minutes” late in the first half as the turning point, where individual errors allowed Hearts to score twice through Stuart Findlay and Lawrence Shankland. He stressed the need to be “100 per cent in every situation” in big games, highlighting missed opportunities to switch play and defensive lapses. Notably, goalkeeper Jack Butland was partially at fault for both goals, yet Röhl publicly backed him, refusing to single out individuals for blame.

However, some supporters accused Röhl of indirectly throwing his players under the bus by repeatedly emphasising decision-making flaws and a lack of ruthlessness in the final third. His measured assessment – describing recent progress as “steps forward” but the Hearts performance as “a little bit of a step sideways” – was seen by critics as downplaying the team’s efforts while shifting responsibility onto the squad.

Röhl defended his comments, insisting they were honest reflections aimed at improvement rather than criticism. “We have to learn from these small moments,” he said, praising Hearts’ efficiency while lamenting Rangers’ inability to capitalise despite dominating spells.

The reaction underscores the pressure on Röhl, who has transformed Rangers since his October arrival but now faces scrutiny over squad depth and consistency. As the January transfer window approaches, his words may motivate reinforcements – or fuel dressing room tension.