Danny Rohl was in upbeat mood after Rangers eased into the fifth round of the Scottish Cup with a dominant 5–0 victory over Annan Athletic at Ibrox, praising both the result and the wider progress being made across the club.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, Rohl admitted the early stages were not straightforward for a heavily rotated Rangers side.
“I think it’s a good result, 5-0,” the head coach said.
“You always know when you play against this team, it’s not so easy. I think the first five or six minutes you felt it, a little bit on the front foot, some long balls in behind.
“Then a team who’s not playing usually together, especially at the beginning you need a little bit of time.”
Once Rangers settled, however, they took control and never looked back.
“But then at the end I think 5-0 is a good result,” Rohl added.
“Now we can enjoy the next two days, then it’s time for the big games for us.”
With crucial fixtures ahead in both domestic and European competition, Rohl made it clear that the Scottish Cup win was part of a much bigger picture.
“We have big goals this season, it starts with Europe, I think that’s also important,” he said.
“I think it was a good day, signing Skov [Olsen] as well, three new players this week. I think all in all we could be very happy at the moment.”
The German coach also emphasised the importance of unity between the squad, supporters and boardroom.
He said: “Let’s carry on in this direction, all together with the fans, with the board, with me, with the group. Do this and we’re on a good way.”
One of the standout moments of the night was Bojan Miovski’s hat-trick, which marked a welcome return to form for the striker after injury.
“Yeah, of course, as a striker it’s good,” Rohl said.
“I think it’s a good opportunity to collect some goals, I think this is nice.”
Röhl also highlighted the contributions from across the squad, including a memorable free-kick goal and academy involvement.
“We had a debut from an academy player as well, a nice goal from a free-kick from Thelo. I think it’s now four goals in five games,” he said.
“All in all I’m happy, no injuries.”
The only absentee was Oliver Antman, who missed out through illness.
“Oliver, for example, was ill, normally he should also start today,” Röhl explained.
“But all in all I’m happy and I’m looking forward now to the next challenges.”
Seventeen-year-old Zebedee Lawson’s debut was another positive moment for the club’s youth pathway, something Röhl is keen to continue developing.
“It’s always important for us as a club, also for the academy,” he said.
“It was a shame I was not able to use Kyle [Glasgow] and Ashton [Scally] as well, they should use this opportunity to play.”
Rohl stressed that several young players are seen as part of Rangers long-term future.
“These are high-potential players, we like them, we want to keep them, very high-potential players for us for the future,” he explained.
“Hopefully if they have the right age, they can help us as well.”
Attention now turns to Rangers latest signing, Andreas Skov Olsen, who was announced before kick-off and is expected to add quality to Rohl’s attacking options in the upcoming weeks.
“Andreas is an experienced one, he can score,” Rohl said.
“I think it’s nice to have a left foot on the right side. He had a fantastic season in Bruges.”
The Rangers boss is confident the Dane will strengthen the squad.
“We want to give him a great opportunity, we want to strengthen our squad in different areas, and he is a part of this group now.”
Röhl also praised the character of all three January arrivals.
“I think all in all, all three new players are great characters. They will help us get some first minutes from Tochi on the ground after a busy week.”
With a packed schedule looming, Rohl is under no illusions about the challenges ahead.
“I’m happy so far,” he concluded, “but on Monday we start in crucial, important weeks.”