Chris Sutton flags Danny Rohl ‘problem’ at Rangers after ‘really surprising’ comments
Chris Sutton admits he was “really surprised” by comments made by Danny Rohl ahead of Rangers‘ Old Firm showdown with Celtic last weekend.
Rangers let a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 with fierce rivals Celtic in a major blow to the Light Blues’ Scottish Premiership title hopes.
Youssef Chermiti’s double had the Gers cruising come half-time, but Kieran Tierney pulled one back and Reo Hatate scored a late leveller after his initial penalty – and follow-up – was saved.
Rangers face Celtic once again this weekend, this time in the Scottish Cup, but comments made prior to last week’s clash are still fresh in Sutton’s memory.
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Danny Rohl breaches ‘unwritten rule’ with Celtic comments
Rohl spoke openly ahead of the league clash about the selection headache Martin O’Neill faced, particularly when it came to selecting his goalkeeper.
Viljami Sinisalo deputised for out-of-form Kasper Schmeichel in the Europa League win away at Stuttgart and ultimately retained his place at Ibrox.
Rohl also questioned Celtic’s lack of impetus to score a second goal in Germany, having required a 3-0 win on the night to advance.
O’Neill did not take kindly to those comments, while former Celtic striker Sutton also found them strange.
Writing for the Daily Record, Sutton said: “There was some flak heading my way this week for suggesting the biggest hindrance to Hearts winning the league might be the actions of Derek McInnes.
“I stand by that opinion. But, likewise, I believe Rangers might have a similar problem with Danny Rohl.
It’s not the actions of the Rangers manager that could be the problem – it’s the words.
“Rohl showed signs of losing his before the Celtic game last week – and it will be interesting to see how he gets on this weekend in the Scottish Cup rematch.
“I was really surprised Rohl got mixed up in talking about Celtic’s team section and European performances before the league match.
“It’s kind of an unwritten rule in football not to talk about opposition teams like that – especially when it’s Celtic. I think even Rangers fans would rather he minded his own business, as he’s got plenty to ponder himself.”
Sutton does have a point to an extent – it is rare to hear managers speak so openly about opposition sides – but the German’s comments were hardly controversial.
He was asked for his opinion on a matter and was quick to reply.
Luke McCowan stoked the Old Firm flames with his own comments ahead of the match, which Rohl had every right to respond to.
Why both Rangers and Celtic could be on course for ‘biggest ever failure’
Last weekend’s draw was more damaging to Rangers than it was to Celtic, not even accounting for the two-goal lead squandered.
Celtic have since defeated Aberdeen in their game in hand to move into second place and within five points of leaders Hearts.
Rohl is now requiring some helping hands, and while Rangers’ title hopes are not completely over, the Scottish cup presents the most realistic prospect of some silverware.
As PLZ Soccer pundit Peter Martin put it, it would be “the biggest failure in the history” of the Scottish Premiership should neither Rangers nor Celtic prevail.
It really has been a unique campaign, but the hope is that Rangers now overcome Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday and at the very least lift a trophy to put a slightly positive spin on the campaign.
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