Röhl brimming with belief ahead of showdown
As the countdown ticks towards the iconic derby between Rangers F.C. and Celtic F.C., manager Danny Röhl says his squad are more than ready — they believe.
The 36-year-old German, still relatively new in his Rangers reign, has laid out his conviction that this fixture is a chance to reset, rebuild and re-assert the club’s identity.
Röhl told the media: “When I look in the faces of my players, I see there is a big, big belief now.” He emphasised the recent upswing in body language and energy: “I met all the players … I see a smile on their face, and it gives me a good belief that we are on the right path.”
“It’s all or nothing”
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s semi-final meeting at Hampden Park, Röhl did not shy away from recognising the magnitude of the fixture: “Growing up it was of course a world-famous game … you always enjoy it because there’s always action, drama, intensity, goals, tight games, fighting spirit on the pitch. I expect a big, big one. … It’s all or nothing. You win, you come in the final. You lose, you’re out.” That raw honesty underlines Röhl’s intent to treat the derby not as routine, but as a defining moment for his side.
Respect for the opponent — and the moment
Röhl also paid tribute to the vastly experienced Celtic interim boss, Martin O’Neill, acknowledging his record in this fixture and the respect the job commands. “I feel big respect for such a coaching career … I am just at the beginning of my career,” he said. “The good thing is we start at 0-0, different generations, so let’s see what we can bring with our teams in this game.” That blend of humility and ambition signals a manager who knows the context but is determined to carve his own legacy.
Belief translated into form
The belief Röhl describes isn’t just talk. He referenced the team’s recent work: “In the second half the tactical discipline… we ran for each other to be a unit and be connected and had fighting spirit, which is fantastic to see.” Given the club’s recent turbulence and manager turnover, the impression of an emerging culture of togetherness and commitment is key to his message.
What he expects from his players
Röhl has emphasised that for this derby, more than just flair is needed. He stressed that “it’s not just always about nice football, to win games… you have to understand that we need more than just nice football.” His focus: structure, transition, resilience and the right attitude. The mental stakes, he argues, are just as important as the tactical ones.
The challenge ahead
Röhl inherits a team under significant pressure. The Old Firm fixture always carries weight, but this one brings extra challenge: his first such derby in charge, against a veteran opponent, in a semi-final with everything on the line.
But his mindset is clear: belief, readiness and unity. “You feel it … in the meeting room … you feel it on the pitch and in the dressing room. At the moment, the positive energy is really big, the belief is there.”
As Rangers prepare to face Celtic, it is clear Röhl regards this not just as another game — but as a statement. Whether that belief will carry his team to victory remains to be seen, but the manager’s message is unmistakable: they are ready, they believe, and they know what’s at stake.