Rangers Face Managerial Uncertainty as Rohl’s Future Hangs in the Balance

As pre-season training approaches, Rangers find themselves in a precarious situation, potentially on the cusp of seeking a third manager in just one year. Reports have emerged that RB Salzburg is in discussions with Danny Rohl regarding their head coaching position. While these talks do not guarantee a departure, Rangers supporters are already contemplating what the upcoming season might look like without the German at the helm.

Rohl played a pivotal role in revitalizing Rangers’ title hopes after a dismal start under Russell Martin last season. However, the team’s disappointing finish—losing four of their last five matches to end up third—has left many fans questioning Rohl’s authority and future with the club.

This ongoing interest from Germany and Austria may signal that both Rohl and Rangers could benefit from parting ways after an eight-month partnership. Should that scenario unfold, the question arises: who will lead the club next?

Could it be a return for Steven Gerrard, or perhaps a move for Hearts head coach Derek McInnes? The search for a manager capable of reigniting Rangers’ fortunes may extend beyond these familiar names.

Gerrard, who had expressed a strong desire to return to Ibrox following Martin’s dismissal last October, hinted at his commitment to the club during a podcast in December. “There were a few things I was uncertain about,” he shared, reflecting on why he ultimately did not take the role at that time. “If I’m going to take a challenge that big and that important… it had to be perfect and I had to be 100% ready.”

At the heart of Gerrard’s uncertainty was his relationship with the club’s hierarchy, especially with sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who has since been relieved of his duties. With both Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart gone, a return for Gerrard could present a different landscape at Ibrox, one that might align more closely with his vision.

Gerrard’s previous success at Rangers, including guiding them to their last title in 2021, remains a significant draw for fans. He acknowledged the importance of the passionate Rangers crowd and how it fuels his coaching style. “I think I suit a certain job; the passionate crowd – I need to try and feed off that,” he explained. The ongoing commitment from chairman Andrew Cavenagh and his consortium to invest in the squad would likely appeal to Gerrard, who felt unsupported towards the end of his first tenure.

On the other hand, McInnes has been a name frequently mentioned among potential candidates due to his extensive experience in Scottish football and his history with Rangers. However, he previously turned down the opportunity to manage Rangers in 2017, opting instead to remain with Aberdeen, who were then Celtic’s main challengers.

Now, nearly a decade later, persuading McInnes to leave Hearts, especially after their near-miss for a league title last season, could prove challenging. He has consistently expressed his commitment to Hearts, highlighting the strong relationships he has built there and the support he receives from the board and players alike.

While some Rangers fans may see narrowing the search to familiar candidates like Gerrard or McInnes as limiting, there are certainly other options available. The club could explore less conventional choices who have found success abroad. However, the reality remains that few outsiders have managed to achieve the level of success demanded by Rangers.

Ultimately, the unique pressures of managing a club like Rangers—or their rivals at Celtic—require a distinct understanding of the Glasgow dynamics. This is part of the reason both clubs often revert to former players or managers. As the club navigates its current uncertainty, the search for a leader who can restore Rangers to their former glory is more crucial than ever.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.