NafisaFresh starts often bring as many questions as answers, particularly at clubs where expectations are measured not by progress alone but by silverware. Across European football, several sides have spent the opening weeks of the summer reshaping their plans, with coaching changes becoming just as significant as player recruitment.
For supporters, managerial appointments can define the direction of an entire campaign. A new voice in the dressing room, a different tactical philosophy and fresh ambitions can quickly alter the mood surrounding a club, especially after a season that failed to meet expectations.
In Scotland, attention has largely been focused on the growing rivalry at the top end of the table and the battle to close the gap on the reigning champions. Rangers entered last season with hopes of mounting a serious title challenge, but a turbulent campaign ultimately left the club reflecting on what might have been.
While transfer activity has started to gather pace and preparations for the new campaign continue behind the scenes, one of the biggest developments of the summer has come in the dugout rather than on the pitch.
Danny Rohl has departed Rangers to become the new head coach of Red Bull Salzburg.
Rohl arrived at Ibrox in October with Rangers sitting sixth in the standings following a disastrous opening to the campaign under his predecessor, Russell Martin. He eventually guided the club to a third-place finish in the Scottish Premiership, ending the season behind Heart of Midlothian and champions Celtic.
However, on Wednesday, the Glasgow outfit confirmed that the German tactician had parted company with the club by mutual consent. The 37-year-old has now put pen to paper on a three-year contract with Austrian side RB Salzburg.
Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh said regarding Rohl’s exit: “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’s coaching journey first began within the Red Bull network at RB Leipzig, where he held a variety of positions including video analyst, academy coach and assistant manager with the senior side.
The German also gained experience with Southampton, Bayern Munich and the Germany national team before stepping into senior management with Sheffield Wednesday. His work in the Championship earned widespread praise despite the challenging circumstances surrounding the club.
Now returning to familiar surroundings within the Red Bull structure, Rohl is hoping to make a major impact in Austria.
Upon joining RB Salzburg, Rohl said: “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.”
Meanwhile, Rangers have already begun shaping their squad for the upcoming season. The club confirmed the signing of striker Lawrence Shankland from Hearts last month.
The 30-year-old former Hearts captain is currently representing Scotland at the World Cup and admitted that completing the switch to Ibrox meant a great deal to him.
Speaking to Rangers TV, Shankland 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.”
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