Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has called for total focus and consistency as his side return to action against Aberdeen at Ibrox tomorrow night, insisting the emotion of Saturday’s Old Firm victory must now be channelled into another performance.
Rangers head into the first of back-to-back league meetings with Aberdeen on the back of a statement 3–1 win away to Celtic, a result that not only levelled the sides on points but also triggered managerial upheaval across the city.
Celtic confirmed the dismissal of Wilfried Nancy earlier today, while Aberdeen acted swiftly on Monday night by sacking Jimmy Thelin, placing former Rangers midfielder Peter Leven in interim charge.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s match, Rohl acknowledged the significance of the Old Firm win - but stressed it must not become a distraction – a statement similar to that of Connor Barron, who post-match on Saturday said: “You’ve got to go there [Celtic Park] and do your job, which we did, and we look forward to Aberdeen, so it’s taking it game by game.”
On Saturday’s result Rohl said: “I think there was an amazing atmosphere in the stadium, we really enjoyed these three points, a big statement from our side.”
“But it’s about the next game. We have now two times Aberdeen.
“It’s never good to see a manager be sacked, I think it’s also a difficult one to prepare, but it’s about the next game, focus on our performance and hopefully tomorrow night we can bring the next three points.”
Aberdeen’s late managerial change adds an element of unpredictability, something Rohl has factored into his preparation.
“He will not have so much time to prepare something new, maybe he will continue, maybe not,” he said.
“Of course, we looked also back at what he did when he was a one-time caretaker.
“He will be a little bit more emotional because the players want to show up, now it’s up to them - but it’s about how we can perform again on a good level.”
Rohl made clear that Rangers second-half display at Celtic Park is the benchmark going forward.
“We have to take the second half as our role model again, be aggressive, be on the front foot, try to bring our strength on,” he said.
“If we do this, then we can beat the next opponent as well.”
Saturday’s victory, Rohl believes, was about more than three points.
It represented a psychological step forward for a squad that had faced questions about its ability to win the biggest games.
“I think it helps the players to believe more and more, to have the confidence to continue our journey,” he said.
“In the past you spoke about can this team win big games - I think this was a big part for us, that we showed this.
“What I really loved was the connection between my players and the fans. That was outstanding for me. It was really the first moment in the season where you felt: this is now the relationship that we want.”
With Rangers now six points behind leaders Hearts, Rohl accepted the challenge ahead.
“Since I arrived, we reduced the gap from 13 points to just six,” he said.
“They feel it now but if you take one bad result then the gap could be open again.
“If you continue the way from the last 10 weeks, then we are on a fantastic way.”
Rohl also confirmed defender Dujon Sterling is available after returning to training despite an arrest for a driving offence on Sunday morning, and also revealed that January transfer discussions are ongoing.
“At the moment we work really hard to do something,” he said.
“We have a clear picture. But the good thing is this group is growing - and this gives me a good signal.”