By Robert McElroy
Danny Rohl – Rangers’ new Head Coach – addressed the media as he looked ahead to his first game in charge, the opposition of course Brann Bergen of Norway in what is by any reckoning a game the Light Blues must get a result in, following two defeats in their opening two UEFA Europa League outings
“I believe we have a clear idea of what we want to do tomorrow. We expect a very intensive game and must have the right attitude. We will face a well-organised team.
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“Hopefully, tomorrow we will see a good game and a good first step. I expect it will be a fight – but I see a lot of quality in our squad. I’m looking forward to the game, because in the last two days I’ve seen a lot of good things. However training is training and it’s what happens during the actual game that really counts.”
Without actually naming names, the German offered more than a hint of changes in the starting eleven compared with that fielded by Steven Smith in the 2-2 draw with Dundee United last Saturday.
“We will perhaps have some changes in the starting eleven – after two days you have to take your impressions from the training session. You need to understand which players you can use in certain situations. I have to learn very soon – but we need some things to improve, especially in Europe.”
Rolf spoke of his two days on the training ground at Auchenhowie positively.
“The last two days’ training sessions the team has been smiling again. We’re looking forward to an important European game. We have to change the mind-set of the negative energy and the disappointments. I try to give them belief every day. For me, it’s important to instil confidence – I believe even for the biggest players in the game it’s important that you have to instil self-belief. It’s about hard work, not just about talking, although in the last two days I have talked a lot.
“If we work day-by-day, some players will be surprising some people.”
The German spoke warmly of his time with Djeidi Gassama at Hillsborough.
“Djeidi is a good story and a good indication of how you can develop players. When he arrived at Sheffield Wednesday some people questioned whether he had the right mentality to play Championship football. After a couple of training sessions I could see what a difference he could make. I want to develop players – both from the football side but also from the human side.”
In conclusion, he allowed himself to look ahead to the coming weeks.
“For the period between now and the next International break, there are perhaps six games – and we will see where we are and where we can go.”
Earlier, Brann Head Coach Freyr Alexandersson outlined his preparation for the visit of the Ibrox club.
“We are prepared and ready for whatever tomorrow’s game brings. I have been aware that Glasgow Rangers are going through an uncertain period following the departure of former Head Coach Russell Martin. I have watched both of their previous UEFA Europa League fixtures and last Saturday under Interim Manager Steven Smith they were at times very impressive against Dundee United.
“Now that Danny Rohl has been appointed, I’m not 100% sure who will be selecting the team and the tactical formation – but we will cope. I know Danny from his earlier career postings – it will be a fascinating encounter. We are going to have a party at the Stadion.”
