NafisaFresh starts are often celebrated in football, but not every departure leaves supporters looking back with fondness. At a club the size of Rangers, expectations are measured in trophies, title races and memorable European nights. When those standards are not met, scrutiny arrives quickly, and every major decision becomes a talking point.
The pressure at Ibrox is unlike most places in the game. Managers are expected to deliver immediately, players are judged every week, and patience is often in short supply when results fail to match ambitions. That reality became increasingly evident over the closing months of last season as Rangers watched another Premiership crown slip from their grasp.
For much of the campaign, there was optimism that the club had finally found a route back into contention. Momentum had been building, confidence was returning and there was belief that the gap to Celtic could be closed. Yet as the decisive weeks arrived, Rangers stumbled badly and saw their challenge unravel.
Those setbacks have now been followed by a major development off the pitch.
Danny Rohl has officially left Rangers after agreeing a move to Austrian side RB Salzburg.
The German coach arrived at Ibrox in October following the departure of Russell Martin, inheriting a squad that was struggling to find consistency and sitting well below where supporters expected the club to be.
To his credit, Rohl initially oversaw an improvement in performances and results. Rangers climbed back into the title conversation and briefly looked capable of applying serious pressure on Celtic at the top of the table.
However, the campaign ultimately ended in disappointment. Rangers finished third in the Scottish Premiership behind Heart of Midlothian and champions Celtic, while cup exits further increased frustration among sections of the support.
Despite public backing from chairman Andrew Cavenagh, Rohl has now chosen to continue his career elsewhere after reaching an agreement with RB Salzburg.
The Austrian club have handed the 37-year-old a three-year contract, bringing him back into the Red Bull football structure where he previously began his coaching journey.
Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh said following the departure: “I’d like to thank Danny for his service and commitment to Rangers. He and his staff put in a significant amount of hard work during his time in charge, which we are greatly appreciative of.”
Rohl first made his name at RB Leipzig, where he worked in several roles including video analyst, academy coach and assistant manager. He later gained experience at Southampton, Bayern Munich and with the Germany national team before stepping into management with Sheffield Wednesday.
Speaking after his appointment at Salzburg, Rohl explained his reasons for taking the role.
“I’m already familiar with the club from my previous coaching experience and know what opportunities exist here, the quality within the club, and the ambitious aims they pursue. That’s precisely what attracted me.
“Our aim has to be to bring titles back to Salzburg and to represent the club successfully on the European stage. We will work hard every day to achieve this.”
His exit comes as Rangers continue to reshape both their squad and leadership structure ahead of the new campaign.
The club have already secured the signing of striker Lawrence Shankland from Hearts, while reports indicate Derek McInnes is expected to replace Rohl in the dugout.
Shankland, currently away with Scotland at the World Cup, recently admitted that joining Rangers fulfilled a lifelong ambition.
Speaking to Rangers TV, he said: “Rangers is my boyhood club, and it has always been a dream to play here, so I was really keen to get it (the transfer) done.”
With a new manager set to arrive and further transfer activity expected, Rangers now turn their attention to another rebuild as they look to ensure last season’s disappointments are not repeated. Whether Rohl’s departure proves to be a setback or an opportunity for a fresh start remains to be seen, but the next chapter at Ibrox is already underway.
Nafisa
