Danny Rohl delivered a detailed and candid press conference ahead of Rangers trip to Porto, covering squad availability, transfer strategy and the challenge awaiting his side in Europe.
On team news, the Rangers head coach moved quickly to calm concerns. “At the moment we have nothing to say, there is nothing serious.”
Rohl did note a few individual situations: “We have some players not with us. I think Dujon [Sterling], for example, he will train tomorrow.
“Of course, our new signings are not available. [Danilo] is not with us because he is expecting a baby soon,” whilst confirming “problems” with Joe Rothwell, who looks set to depart the club and return to the English Championship.
Transfers were the early focus, when asked whether incomings were dependent on outgoings, Rohl said: “Not really, but of course we know we have a big squad and this one thing will influence the other thing.”
However, he stressed Rangers would act if the right opportunity arose: “The new signings will not influence the final decision-making from our side.
“If we can do something, we will do it, there are still some days to go and then in the end we will see where we are.”
On reported bids for key players, namely Yousef Chermiti and Djeidi Gassama, Rohl welcomed the attention but drew a firm line.
“At first we take the positive thing that other clubs are interested in our players,” he said, before adding: “We are very clear. I think we will keep our best players.
“We have big goals this season. We are in two competitions, and we need our best players, we want to strengthen our squad and not make it weaker.”
He revealed recruitment planning is precise internally: “I have my number in my head, Andrew [Cavenagh] knows it, the recruitment [team] knows it.”
But he warned of volatility: “The next three or four days will be a little bit crazy. Some moments you think you have a yes, then maybe not.”
When asked directly about reported target Ryan Naderi, Rohl shut the topic down: “What I can say is he is a player from Hansa Rostock and I will not speak about other players from other clubs today.”
However he did confirm: “We are looking for an attacking player for the system.”
Turning to Porto, Rohl emphasised defensive structure. “With a clean sheet in Europe you always have a chance to win games,” he said.
“We have to be well organised and understand when we have to press high, when we have to stay deep and compact.
“If we don’t come to our 100 per cent, then it will be tough tomorrow.”
He also underlined mentality away from home: “When you travel here, then you come not just as a guest - you want to be a nasty opponent.”
On Chermiti, Röhl was both encouraging and demanding. “He worked hard from the first day, we both agreed that it was just the beginning for more and that you should never rest just after two goals.”
He added: “He has a lot of skills what you need in modern football and if he can continue this, then he’s in a good way.”
Finally, on long-term strategy, Rohl said: “You have to strengthen your squad and then you have to improve and develop players for the next level.
“If the next bigger club comes, you should make the deal but if you have the ambitions that we have then it’s also important to strengthen the squad with the right players.”