Danny Rohl’s position untenable as Rangers stars react to James Tavernier message
Danny Rohl‘s position at Rangers is surely untenable after James Tavernier’s latest social media message.
Tavernier was involved in a bust-up with the manager ahead of his final Ibrox game, and ended up leaving the stadium and making himself unavailable for selection.
He returned to take part in the ceremonial activies, but was not in the squad to say a proper goodbye to supporters on the pitch.
Several current Gers stars have liked and commented on Tavernier’s post, which shared his side of the story.
That does not bode well for Rohl’s future at Rangers, as he clearly has lost the dressing room, given the response.
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How have Rangers squad reacted to Tavernier post?
Tavernier’s post was damning towards Rohl, and the reaction from the squad does not bode well for the German manager.
Taking to Instagram on 14 May, he said: “After messaging the manager on Tuesday to ask whether I would be starting the game, and explaining that my children were asking if they would still be walking out as mascots, I was then informed that I would be starting the match as a substitute. In that moment, my emotions understandably took over.
“Many people may feel I could have handled the situation better, and I accept that, but after dedicating over a decade of my life to this club, with my family beside me throughout it all, I felt deeply hurt and let down.
“What disappointed me most was the version of events that was later presented publicly, as it did not reflect the conversations that had taken place privately beforehand.
“I firmly believe the situation could and should have been handled much better from all sides. A lack of communication allowed matters to escalate unnecessarily in the build up to such an emotional occasion for myself and my family.
“Anyone who saw my reaction on the pitch last night will understand how emotional I was feeling, not only about leaving Rangers, but about everything that had happened in the lead up to the game.
“Lastly, I want to make clear that no individual is ever bigger than this great football club. Rangers must always come first. I hope the fans continue to stand united behind the team and the club moving forward. Thank you for everything.”
The post was liked by Bojan Miovski, Jack Butland, Youssef Chermiti, Emmanuel Fernandez, Nedim Bajrami, Tuur Rommens and Djeidi Gassama.
Bajrami commented, saying: “Legend” with a blue heart emoji
Gassama also commented, saying: “Respect legend!!” with a blue heart emoji.
Why Rohl’s future must be questioned after Tavernier latest
The whole saga is embarrassing, but the reaction to the captain’s message is the most telling thing about it.
The fact that so many current players have reacted, quite clearly in favour of the 34-year-old, is a sign that the manager no longer has the respect of the dressing room.
It surely puts him on very shaky ground, in terms of his future in the dugout, as the squad is not behind him and have chosen Tavernier’s side so publicly.
| Rohl’s stats at Rangers | |
| Matches | 39 |
| Won | 21 |
| Drawn | 7 |
| Lost | 11 |
| Points | 70 |
| Points per game | 1.79 |
The situation paints the boss as the villain, suggesting that he changed his mind on starting Tavernier in his final game in Govan, and does not reflect well at all on the 37-year-old.
Rohl would have to produce magic to turn it around right, and it looks like his future is only heading one way, which is towards the exit door.
That would leave the Gers in a position for the cycle to repeat, hire a manager, expect too much, not back him enough, then sack him, but it may be for the best, if he does have the team on board anymore.
He will not be able to turn it around, if he does not have the backing of the majority of his players.
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