In a heart-wrenching start to a new chapter, Rangers' fresh leadership under Danny Röhl crumbled in a stunning 3-0 defeat against Brann, leaving them rock bottom in the Europa League standings – and fans are left wondering if this signals more turmoil ahead. This wasn't just a loss; it was a wake-up call that exposed deep-seated issues in the team's defense, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal season. But here's where it gets controversial: Röhl, the new German coach appointed just this week, has boldly declared that winning trumps pretty football. Is this a pragmatic shift or a risky gamble that might alienate fans craving flair? Let's dive into the details and unpack why this match matters – and the part most people miss about the broader challenges facing Rangers.
Rangers arrived in Norway with high hopes, but their persistent defensive weaknesses turned Röhl's debut into a disaster. The coach, fresh from his role at Sheffield Wednesday, emphasized putting victories above all else (as he shared in a recent Sky Sports interview), yet the team delivered neither triumph nor entertainment on the pitch. For newcomers to European football, the Europa League is a prestigious tournament where teams from across the continent battle for glory, often through group stages that lead to knockout rounds – think of it as an extended Champions League but with more underdogs. Here, Rangers' struggles highlight how critical solid defense is; without it, even the best attacks falter, much like a leaky boat sinking before it can sail.
The match kicked off with a stroke of luck for Brann in the opener. Bard Finne's shot deflected off John Souttar and landed perfectly for Emil Kornvig to score past goalkeeper Jack Butland. It was a moment that underscored the unpredictable nature of soccer – sometimes, fortune favors the bold. But the subsequent goals were more telling: Jacob Sorensen and Noah Holm capitalized on gifts from Rangers, revealing the raw vulnerabilities Röhl must address. Rangers could only muster one shot on target throughout the game, and with zero points from their first three Europa League outings, their path to the knockout stages looks daunting.
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It's clear that Röhl faces no easy fixes for the Gers faithful yearning to break free from their sluggish spell. With five tough games left in the Europa League, advancing feels improbable, especially after this sobering intro. Up next, they return home to face Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Sunday in the Scottish Premiership – a game that should be a comfort zone, but Rangers haven't secured a league win there yet this season. Imagine the pressure: home advantage is usually a team's secret weapon, like having the crowd as an extra player, yet here it might just amplify the anxiety.
Röhl's lineup changes were intriguing. He brought in defender Nasser Djiga and the controversial young striker Youssef Chermiti (signed for £10m from Everton, despite his lack of proven form) in place of Derek Cornelius and Bojan Miovski, who warmed the bench. Sporting director Kevin Thelwell defended the Chermiti deal, but the 21-year-old's early misfire – missing a clear chance – mirrored the team's overall disjointedness. Brann, however, flowed like a well-oiled machine, nearly scoring early through Eivind Helland's header and forcing Butland into heroic saves against Ulrik Mathisen and Finne.
Rangers had fleeting moments of promise, like Thelo Aasgaard's near-miss after a Tavernier pass, and Chermiti's tame header from a Nicolas Raskin cross. But Brann dominated, with Finne's goal after a Tavernier lapse and Sorensen's header from a free-kick (earned when Oliver Antman conceded a foul). Holm's clinical finish sealed the rout, leaving fans frustrated that a new manager brought the same old defensive lapses.
Post-match, Röhl reflected honestly: 'After a 3-0 defeat, we can speak about the conceded goals, but the performance of the whole team was not good enough. I think everyone hoped we'd have the start when I arrive. In football, you can wish something, but in reality I have to work hard with the group and my players. But I am totally convinced we can make the turnaround. I learnt a lot about individual profiles. To see them on the pitch, under pressure, what they can do, what we have to improve. It is my job now to find quick solutions. I apologised [to the fans for the performance], it is so far away from Glasgow, and they come here and see a 3-0 defeat. This is something nobody deserved. We played today a team who was organised and aggressive, and did the basics right – we didn't.'
Captain James Tavernier was even more blunt: 'It's a disgraceful performance, it's as simple as that. You can get instructions from managers, but we simply have to put that on the pitch and we were just second best: first ball, second balls, not enough fight. And I shouldn't be saying that – for a player of Rangers, that should be the given. You should want to fight, go for the ball, even if it's a scrappy game, you've got to make it a scrappy game, but it's just far too easy at this minute playing against us. That's the hurtful thing about this all.'
Sky Sports' Alison Conroy offered perspective: Bottom of the Europa League with no points, but none of the blame lies with Danny Röhl. The extent of the mess he has to fix following Russell Martin's departure was clear to see in Bergen. They were second to every ball with nothing new from the players, although what could be expected after just two training sessions with a struggling side who have now conceded in each of their last 25 away games? Lapses of concentration continue to be to blame for the goals they are losing. That will be one of the first things the new head coach will have to fix as he targets winning before attractive football. The German has inherited a side severely lacking in confidence and facing a struggle to progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League. Next up is Kilmarnock at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership. Usually, Rangers would be happy to be back home, but they've yet to win a league game there this season.
And this is the part most people miss: Röhl's philosophy of sacrificing style for substance could be a game-changer – or a recipe for fan discontent. Do you agree that winning at all costs is the way forward, even if it means dull games? Or should football remain entertaining? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear if you think Röhl can turn this around or if Rangers need more than a managerial shake-up. For the latest Europa League action, keep an eye on fixtures and results, and download the Sky Sports app for on-the-go updates.
