Rangers Coach Departs After Title Race Disappointment, Reveals Klopp’s Role
By Siphesihle Dlamini
Danny Rohl, the former Rangers manager, has opened up about his sudden departure from the Scottish club, revealing that a pivotal phone call from Germany’s new head coach, Jurgen Klopp, set in motion his move to Red Bull Salzburg. In an exclusive interview, Rohl detailed the emotional toll of last season’s title race and the key moments he believes cost Rangers the championship.
Rohl left Glasgow just 68 days after the season ended, a decision that surprised many. He had been adamant after the final match that he would return with renewed energy. However, a conversation with Klopp while on holiday in Hawaii changed his course. “We spoke for one hour about football. Everything was really open,” Rohl said. “Red Bull pushed really hard, and there came a moment when the clubs began to negotiate.”
The German coach pointed to a critical defeat against Motherwell as the turning point in the title race. “I’m totally convinced that if we’d won that game, I wouldn’t be sitting here now,” he stated. “That was the killer moment.” He also highlighted a missed chance against Celtic, noting that a 3-0 lead could have changed the entire season. “The stadium was on fire. If Tuur Rommens had scored, Celtic would not have won the league or the Scottish Cup.”
Rohl acknowledged the intense pressure at Rangers, where the margin between hero and question mark is thin. “The last few weeks of the season showed me how quick it goes from you being the hero to having some question marks around you,” he reflected. His move to Salzburg, he said, was driven by Red Bull’s strong commitment and the chance to be closer to his family.
Rangers have since appointed Derek McInnes as their new manager, moving quickly to fill the vacancy. Rohl’s departure, while sudden, appears to have been a carefully considered decision, influenced by both personal and professional factors.