New Sheffield Wednesday head coach Danny Rohl has delivered a stark message to his struggling squad, insisting the Rangers must rapidly eliminate negativity from their game as they battle for Championship survival.
The German tactician, who took charge at Hillsborough this week, immediately identified mental fragility as a critical issue requiring urgent attention. His comments come after Wednesday's disappointing 1-0 defeat to West Brom left them rooted to the bottom of the table.
Immediate Culture Shift Required
Rohl emphasised that transforming the team's mindset represents his most pressing challenge. "We have to change the negative thinking quickly," he stated bluntly. "This is my first impression - we must work on our mentality immediately."
The 34-year-old coach, previously part of Ralph Hasenhüttl's backroom staff at Southampton, observed concerning body language and decision-making during his first match in charge. "I saw in some moments the body language was not the best," Rohl noted. "When we conceded the goal, you could feel the negative thinking coming."
Building from Solid Foundations
Despite the defeat, Rohl identified positive elements to build upon, particularly the team's defensive organisation during the first half. "The defensive shape was good," he acknowledged. "We were compact and didn't give them many chances."
The performance demonstrated that Wednesday could compete physically with promotion-chasing sides, though Rohl stressed the need for greater composure in possession and more creative solutions in the final third.
Long-Term Vision Amidst Short-Term Crisis
While focused on immediate results, Rohl outlined his broader philosophy for the club. "I want to build something here," he declared. "We need to create a new structure and clear identity."
The former Bayern Munich assistant faces a formidable task in turning around Wednesday's fortunes, with the team currently six points from safety after collecting just three points from their first eleven matches.
Rohl's appointment marks a significant shift in Wednesday's approach, bringing in a coach with experience in the Bundesliga and Premier League to implement a modern, progressive style of football at Hillsborough.
