Danny Rohl’s Rangers Challenge: Red Flags in Brutal Debut Defeat
Key Points
- Danny Rohl’s Rangers challenge began with a 3-0 loss to Brann on October 23, 2025, exposing persistent issues in defense and attack.
- The defeat highlighted a lack of organization, confidence, and aggression, with Youssef Chermiti missing a key chance.
- Rangers, once competitive against European giants, were outclassed by Norway’s third-best team, conceding three soft goals.
- Rohl inherits a squad struggling with mental fragility and poor decision-making, despite over £30 million in recent transfers.
- Danny Rohl’s Rangers challenge requires urgent rebuilding to restore belief and competitiveness ahead of their next match.
A Sobering Start
Danny Rohl’s Rangers challenge kicked off with a humbling 3-0 defeat to Brann, revealing deep-seated issues that demand immediate attention.
A Call for Transformation
Danny Rohl’s Rangers challenge is to revive a demoralized squad, turning fragility into fight to reclaim their European stature.
Danny Rohl’s Rangers Challenge: A Daunting Road Ahead
A Disheartening Debut
Danny Rohl’s Rangers challenge began with a stark 3-0 defeat to Brann in Norway on October 23, 2025, laying bare the club’s ongoing struggles. Far from the fresh start hoped for under the new head coach, the match echoed Rangers’ recent woes—defensive frailty, timid attacking, and a lack of belief. Once contenders against European heavyweights like Benfica and Dortmund, Rangers were outplayed by Norway’s third-best side. This sobering loss, with no goals or points, underscores the scale of Danny Rohl’s Rangers challenge as he aims to rebuild a faltering squad.
Defensive Collapse and Missed Opportunities
Brann’s three goals—described as “soft” and “uncontested”—exposed Rangers’ disorganization. A missed header by Youssef Chermiti, despite a precise cross from Nico Raskin, epitomized their lack of conviction. “It was a tame effort,” a pundit noted. Chermiti, a £8 million signing, managed just one touch in Brann’s penalty area and won only four of 13 duels. His passing accuracy was among the lowest on the pitch, reflecting broader issues in chance creation. This moment, coupled with a defense that conceded 15 goals in their last five European games, marks a critical red flag in Danny Rohl’s Rangers challenge.
A Squad Lacking Belief
Rohl, known for his high-pressing, intense philosophy from successful stints at Sheffield Wednesday and Bayern Munich, saw none of his trademark style. Instead, his players displayed the same predictability seen under predecessors Russell Martin, Philippe Clement, and Michael Beale. “They looked scared,” a fan posted on X. After Brann’s second goal, an uncontested header from a free-kick, Rangers’ defenders argued among themselves, revealing mental fragility. The squad’s lack of confidence and cohesion, evident in their “quivering” response to adversity, poses a significant hurdle in Danny Rohl’s Rangers challenge.
Questionable Investments
Despite over £30 million spent on transfers since the summer, including £8 million on Chermiti, Rangers appear worse off. Chermiti’s last senior goal was in May 2023, yet sporting director Kevin Thelwell remains committed to the 21-year-old. “He’s a project,” Thelwell said at Rohl’s unveiling. However, the striker’s minimal impact—three goals in over 25 hours of professional football—symbolizes poor decision-making. “Rohl must be frustrated,” a commentator remarked. This misstep in recruitment, alongside a lack of immediate impact from new signings, complicates Danny Rohl’s Rangers challenge as he seeks to rebuild.
Rohl’s Proven Pedigree
Rohl’s credentials offer hope. His transformative tenure at Sheffield Wednesday, navigating a high-pressure environment, earned him praise from fans and peers. “He’s a stellar coach,” a former colleague said. With experience at Bayern Munich and the German national team, Rohl brings a proven track record. However, inheriting a squad described as “psychologically brittle” requires more than tactical nous. Danny Rohl’s Rangers challenge demands addressing mental fragility, possibly with sports psychology, to restore belief and competitiveness.
Key Data: Danny Rohl’s Rangers Challenge (October 23, 2025)
| Category | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Match Result | Brann 3-0 Rangers | Rohl’s debut, European match |
| Key Moment | Chermiti’s missed header | Tame effort from Raskin’s cross |
| Defensive Record | 15 goals conceded in last 5 European games | Uncontested goals vs. Brann |
| Transfer Spending | £30M+ since summer 2025 | £8M on Chermiti, 3 goals in career |
| Next Match | TBD, October 2025 | Domestic or European fixture |
Looking Ahead
Danny Rohl’s Rangers challenge is monumental, requiring a swift overhaul of mentality and tactics. With a supportive owner but a demoralized squad, Rohl must instill his high-intensity philosophy to reverse their slide. “He’s got work to do,” a fan tweeted. Upcoming matches offer a chance to rebuild, but addressing defensive lapses and boosting attacking confidence is critical. Danny Rohl’s Rangers challenge, starting with this brutal loss, is a call to transform a fragile team into a competitive force once more.
