DANNY RÖHL ADDRESSES RANGERS FAN FRUSTRATION AND OUTLINES BELIEF IN LATE TITLE SURGE
Danny Röhl insists a late title push is still possible for Rangers despite mounting fan frustration after back-to-back draws exposed his side’s blunt edge in front of goal and continued defensive frailties.
The Ibrox head coach watched his team fail to break down Falkirk before surrendering a 2-2 draw at Dundee United three days later, rescued only by Nedim Bajrami’s 97th-minute penalty. While there were signs of improvement in creativity on Tayside, Rangers once again paid the price for missed chances and sloppy defending.
Röhl acknowledged supporters’ anger after the latest setback but believes his side are edging in the right direction.
“The demands from the fans are always high. We all want to win,” he said. “Some were happy with the point, but also disappointed not to win. I felt the same. If we can bring together the performance levels from the Falkirk game and the Dundee United game, then we can have an outstanding game. That’s what we’re working for.”
“For the first goal it wasn’t just one mistake it was three or four in a row. We have to do better,” he added. “The second goal came after several phases following a set play. But the positive thing was the improvement from Falkirk to Dundee United.”
Rangers created far more chances against Jim Goodwin’s side but again failed to take them, with Youssef Chermiti missing a gilt-edged header late on that would have sealed victory. Röhl was quick to spread responsibility across his attacking unit.
“It was not just the strikers, it was the wingers too,” he said. “Four or five players had big chances and missed them. We know which steps we’ve taken forward and what we still need to improve.”
Among the few bright spots was Bajrami, who followed up his positive display against Falkirk with a composed late penalty. Röhl praised the midfielder’s attitude and impact.
“He trained really hard and waited for his opportunity,” Röhl said. “He listened, adapted his positioning and gave us calmness on the ball and better decision-making. He helped us create more chances.”
Röhl also defended his use of Djeidi Gassama on the right flank, despite the winger being more effective on the left. The Rangers boss described the move as a tactical adjustment linked to pressing and defensive balance rather than a reflection of the player’s attacking instincts.
With the January transfer window still weeks away, Röhl accepts he is working with a squad short on firepower. The pressure from the stands is already growing just six weeks into his reign, but the manager is determined not to abandon belief.
Rangers now sit nine points behind leaders Celtic and Hearts, who face each other this weekend. Röhl pointed out that gap could quickly shrink.
“Of course the last two draws opened the gap again,” he said. “But if we win, it could be six points because the teams above us play each other. It’s a long way, but it’s not impossible.”
For now, Röhl is urging patience from a restless support while he searches for the finishing touch that could yet keep Rangers’ title hopes alive.
