Rangers: Jesse Marsch may hold unlikely key to Derek Cornelius’ future after Danny Rohl talks
Rangers may have to turn to Canada head coach Jesse Marsch as the mediator between Derek Cornelius and Danny Rohl amid growing uncertainty about the defender’s future.
The Canadian centre-back was reportedly ordered to train with the Gers’ youth team at Auchenhowie this week, while continuing his recovery from a long-term injury.
The on-loan Marseille defender joined the Bears last summer, and the 49ers still have the option to make his Ibrox stay permanent, though that looks in doubt now.
Marsch has called Cornelius up to the Canada squad for the upcoming games over the international break, and Rohl has revealed that he will speak to the centre-half upon his return to Glasgow.
Cornelius would be a transfer target for many clubs, should he not stay at Rangers, as Rohl’s decision to let him travel early with Canada paints the picture of how much he values the 28-year-old.
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What Danny Rohl said about Derek Cornelius and why Jesse Marsch is crucial
Cornelius showed promise early on at Ibrox before suffering a muscle injury that has kept him sidelined since November.
He will now have a chance to play for the first time in over four months, but Marsch’s relationship with Rohl may play an important factor in the defender’s Ibrox future.
| Games | 7 |
| Goal contributions | 2 |
| Xg against while on pitch | 1.18 |
| Tackles per 90 | 2.42 |
| Touches per 90 | 94.3 |
| Aerial duels won | 59.4% |
As quoted by the BBC on Friday, Rohl admitted that he and the former Premier League manager are “good friends” while speaking about the situation surrounding Cornelius.
Rohl said: “He trained with us, and then the last couple of days more individual, and then we will see after the international break in which direction it goes. I gave him the opportunity to go earlier to the national team.
“I had two conversations in the last couple of days with Derek. I will have a conversation when he comes back from the national team again. All these things between Derek and me, it’s between us, this is crucial. I have my principles, this is very important.”
Something is clearly off between Rohl and Cornelius, and considering the latter has clear qualities to offer the Bears, it may be in Rangers’ best interests to use Marsch to their advantage here.
This is who Cornelius’ replacement could be, if 49ers snub buy option
At the end of the day, the 49ers will most likely listen to Rohl when it comes to possibly triggering Cornelius’ multi-million-pound buy option at the end of the season.
The Gers boss hasn’t been able to see much of the Canadian, who has only managed five appearances under him since his arrival.
If Rohl is against keeping Cornelius, the Bears have Dundee FC centre-half Luke Graham in their sights.
The 22-year-old has taken his game in Scottish football to the next level this season, and may not only be a better option than Cornelius, but a smart move to make from a financial standpoint.
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