The transfer window is now the focus for Rohl after the 3-1 defeat to Porto in the Europa League
Danny Rohl, Head Coach of Rangers(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Danny Rohl says Rangers now have laser focus on winning a domestic Double – without Europe as a distraction.
The Ibrox side were already out of the Europa League before ending a dismal campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Porto. Rohl wasn’t happy to lose and vowed to be better NEXT season.
But having hauled Gers back into a Premiership title race in recent weeks, the German insists he’s fully concentrated on lifting trophies come May. His side have crucial league games coming up – starting on Sunday against Hibs – as they chase down league leaders Hearts.
And Rohl admits having no European football to worry about could help them in their quest for honours. He said: “In general, we enjoy playing in Europe. I see it as a challenge for the new season as well.
“We want to do better and go into the knock-outs. But this season, now we can fully focus on 15 match days in the league four cup games.
“It helps us to have normal weeks. It will be the first time we can train and be fresh. We’ve done well with our rotation and everyone has played a big part. But in the next two and a half weeks, we have big, big games ahead.
“For this, we need everyone. Some players are coming back, some trained today. We go again on Saturday with full conviction to win the next game in the league.
“Can it benefit us in the league? You never know but I think it helps with our preparation. It’s a different way. I’d be lying to say I’m happy to be out of Europe, it’s not true.
“You want to play in this competition and have nights like this in good stadiums. But I’m also looking forward to seeing what we can do in the league.
“For me, it’s now about Hibs. A completely different game against a team who will fight and be nasty. It’s a different challenge and we have to be ready for this.
“But I see a team at the moment who really knows what I want and this is fantastic. I said to my players, I won’t speak about this game again. The full focus is now on the league. We have a mission and for this we need all of our energy.”
Rangers grabbed a lead in Portugal when Djeidi Gassama headed home after just six minutes. But goals from Rodrigo Mora, Francisco Moura and an Emmanuel Fernandez own goal secured Porto’s passage into the last 16.
Rohl said: “We had a great start in the game, we showed what we wanted to do.
“I felt we were in a good way. But I was disappointed in the goal for 2-1, it was too easy.
“And then it’s an own goal for 3-1.
“We played a strong, experienced side with good individual quality.
“And compared to my first game in Bergen, I see a massive step forward for us.
“It’s still not good enough and we have to improve in the future.
“But I’m still proud of our development in Europe.”
Rangers’ Youssef Chermiti (R) and Findlay Curtis (L) looks dejected after Emmanuel Fernandez scores an own goal to make it 3-1 vs Porto(Image: SNS Group)
Rohl admits there could be ins and outs at Ibrox before the transfer window closes on Monday night but wouldn’t confirm Danilo’s proposed loan move to NEC Nijmegen.
He also says a decision will be made on youngster Findlay Curtis – who has been linked with a loan move to Kilmarnock – after he impressed in Porto.
Rohl said: “At the moment, I can’t confirm (Danilo exit). My full focus was on this game but tomorrow I’ll be back and get updates on what I have to know.
“Let’s see. In the next hours and days, there may be some movement.
“I want to praise Findlay. He understood my words to him two and a half weeks ago when we spoke honestly about where I see him.
“Since then, he’s had exactly the right mindset. Today, he was brave and nice in possession.
“We’ll make a decision in the next couple of days on him but we need to look at the bigger picture. It’s about game time.
“It doesn’t matter what we decide – he’s on the right track.”