Danny Rohl shares thoughts on Rangers wanting Steven Gerrard instead of him

Newly-appointed Rangers boss Danny Rohl has shrugged off suggestions that he wasn't the first choice for the job, after an approach for Steven Gerrard failed, and insisted that what matters is that he's now at the helm. The quest to find a successor for Russell Martin concluded on Monday when the ex-Sheffield Wednesday manager took over as head coach.

The protracted search for a new manager by the Glasgow titans came after rejections from Ibrox legend Gerrard, who clinched the title in 2020-21, and Shanghai Port manager Kevin Muscat, who withdrew his candidacy for the post last weekend. Despite ruling himself out of contention for the role last week, the German manager maintains that discussions with the Rangers board never completely came to a close. When questioned about his earlier withdrawal from consideration during a press conference alongside US owner Andrew Cavenagh, CEO Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell, Rohl responded: "I think what is important is that I am here.

"I understand this question, of course. For me, it's important that I am here. With the board, we had meetings, and never stopped the communication."

When asked if it mattered to him whether he was the first choice, he said: "No, I will be honest - you can be the first, the second or the third, the important thing is that you win games and you have to go forward. I cannot tell you what choice I am, I can just tell you that I am here."

Now 36-year-old Rohl - the youngest manager in the club's history - faces the challenge of reviving Rangers' campaign, beginning with the Europa League encounter against Brann.

The new boss refused to dismiss the Light Blues' prospects of securing silverware in any tournament - despite currently sitting 13 points behind Premiership leaders Hearts and eight adrift of second-placed Celtic.

He said: "We know where we are at the moment. We want to win, we need wins because we are not happy with the position. That's the reason why I am here.

"I have said this in the past, I am looking for an ambitious club. I looked for a club to win titles and this club has everything to do this.

"The first step is the huge one, we need wins in a row. That can create self confidence and belief. On the pitch, I see so much potential. For me, as a coach it's very important to bring the strengths onto the pitch.

"We are in a fantastic situation where we are still in four competitions, and it means that can take all those competitions, but we have to understand that it's not just wish. With wins and a good start, I am convinced we can turn around things. I am very proud to be here."

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell's position has come under fierce scrutiny - with both Muscat and Gerrard eliminating themselves from contention to succeed Martin following discussions with the former Everton executive.

However, Rohl expressed satisfaction with the collaborative agreement with the transfer chief, stating: "I think it's very important that you are close, and clear in what way you want to go.

"It's much, much easier to buy players. We go in one direction and we speak to each other. If we can bring all of the power in one direction we can convince players to join this fantastic club."