Following a hard-fought 2-1 victory against St Mirren in midweek, Rangers manager Danny Rohl was pressed on what the result meant for his side's Scottish Premiership ambitions. With Celtic falling to another defeat under Wilfried Nancy and league leaders Hearts not in action, the landscape shifted significantly.
The Quiet Architect of a Rangers Resurgence
Rohl, however, refrained from grand declarations. Instead, he emphasised the need for sustained consistency, urging his players to believe a genuine title challenge remains within their grasp. His calm, authoritative tone reflected a manager with a clear plan, a quality evident since his appointment at Ibrox on October 20.
When he took over from Russell Martin, Rangers were in disarray, sitting eight points behind Celtic and a staggering 13 adrift of Hearts, with just one league win to their name. The transformation since has been stark. Rohl has now overseen eight wins in 11 Premiership matches, with the sole defeat coming against Hearts last month.
This impressive run has been achieved with a squad largely built by his predecessor and Kevin Thelwell, highlighting Rohl's tactical acumen. He has replaced Martin's idealistic, possession-obsessed—and vulnerable—style with pragmatic foundations. Organisation, discipline, and structural flexibility are now the hallmarks of his team.
Pragmatism Over Idealism: Building a Resilient Side
Rohl's Rangers now intelligently switch between a high press and a compact defensive block. This tactical dexterity, shifting between a back three and a back four as needed, has yielded results: clean sheets have returned and goals conceded have plummeted. He is extracting the maximum from the available resources, grinding out results against lesser opposition with a grit previously absent.
Yet, for all the undoubted progress, a significant box remains unticked. A statement victory in a showpiece fixture continues to elude Rohl. Shortly after his arrival, Rangers lost to Celtic in extra-time in the League Cup semi-final in November, despite a valiant effort with ten men. A fortnight ago, they also fell short against Hearts at Tynecastle.
The Parkhead Litmus Test
In the unique pressure cooker of Glasgow, a manager's reputation is forged in these blazing moments of conquest. This is the precise challenge awaiting Rohl as he takes his team across the city to face a wounded Celtic at Parkhead. A victory would be more than just three points; it would be a tangible declaration that Rangers are truly back in the title race under their impressive young German coach.
Individual players are showing signs of coming to the fore. Thelo Aasgaard, sent off in the Hampden semi-final, has scored in his last two games. Youssef Chermiti, the much-criticised £10 million Portuguese striker, delivered his best performance in midweek, leading the line effectively.
The January transfer window will be crucial for all title contenders—Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts—as they seek to strengthen. But for now, the immediate focus is squarely on Parkhead. Rohl understands the currency that matters at Ibrox is winning matches, a lesson his predecessor never grasped. The outcome of this season's championship may not hinge solely on today's result, but a Rangers win would send the clearest signal yet that a revived force is gathering serious momentum.
