Danny Rohl set for Rangers transfer talks as VIP Ibrox delegation jet out to meet boss for key summit
Rangers have jetted out to Spain for a five-day warm weather training camp with a free weekend looming
Danny Rohl has managed to transform a Rangers squad that was deemed below standard in some quarters earlier in the season and unable to see out games from winning positions back when title talk was far away.
Fast forward seven months, the German head coach has fostered a winning mentality, introduced high-intensity training and prioritised the recruitment of young, development-focused players.
The current mood around Ibrox is one of positivity and optimism. With five post-split fixtures remaining, the Ibrox outfit sit one point behind leaders Hearts and in good shape to clinch a first league title in five years.
Having signed a two-and-a-half- year contract last October, Rohl shifted the club’s January transfer strategy towards younger talent and plans have been put in place for a similar recruitment drive this summer, with a focus on the long-term growth of his squad.
“I think you see now the group is growing and growing and this is not just the result from one week,” Rohl admitted in the wake of Sunday’s 6-3 win over Falkirk in their final outing before the split. “I think this is a result of three or four months of development. We are still not at the end, and this is also good, but I like to see that we understand more and more.
“We can also switch the shapes now more quickly. This is what we have. In the end, we played a 4-3-3. We adjusted again and played with three midfielders. I try to be flexible but generally, I think the final five games are about tactics. But the most important thing is to have the right emotion.”
Rangers challenged to start games with greater intensity
Rangers staged a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to emerge with three points from a chaotic nine-goal contest, scoring five times in a blistering second half performance. And Rohl admits he wants to see his side start games with the same intensity they displayed after the break against Falkirk.
“This is always the goal,” he stated. “I think we had a lot of examples where we did. I think also in the past we had some good games where we started on the front foot. But then there is always an opponent and Falkirk took the first chance and then there was nothing, and then again the second shot from around the box was the second goal.
“We had some bits where you come in the box, but then the final step was not there. But what I liked was how aggressive we were in the second half. We were more aggressive on the second ball, we were more aggressive ball winners, and then we knew against an opponent who had nothing to lose, the space becomes more and more open and then we could use our quality.”
Danny Rohl explains main purpose of warm weather training camp
Amid a packed scheduled and with a free weekend looming, Rangers jetted out to Spain on Monday morning for a five-day warm weather training camp as part of their preparation for the remaining five post-split games. It has been viewed as an opportunity for the squad to form a closer bond as well as working on various tactical aspects.
The Rangers Review have also reported that Rohl’s first-team squad have been joined on the trip by several members of the club’s hierarchy, including newly-appointed CEO Jim Gillespie, Dan Purdy, Stig Inge Bjørnebye and Fraser Thornton. It is understood they plan to use the free week as a chance to ‘accelerate plans for the summer transfer window.’
Asked what the main purpose of the trip is, Rohl responded: “I think it’s a mix. It’s good to have the group together, the players together. To have a little bit of time for recovery but also to work on some small details and it’s also good to refresh the mind.
“I see a lot of benefits. I will have time with the board to speak about topics for the future. This is also nice to have, and I think it goes in a good direction. The players should do something together as well. This is crucial. Then we come back and focus on the split.”