The Unlikely Revival: Rangers, Rohl, and the Blame Game
There’s something deeply human about watching a football club rise from the ashes, especially when the phoenix moment feels almost undeserved. That’s the story of Rangers this season, and it’s a tale that’s as much about the players as it is about the managers. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how quickly the narrative has shifted—from a team seemingly doomed under Russell Martin to one now breathing down the necks of the league leaders under Danny Rohl. But here’s the kicker: it’s largely the same squad. So, what changed?
The Players’ Mirror Moment
Graham Dorrans, a former Rangers star now watching from Los Angeles, puts it bluntly: the players need to look themselves in the mirror. And he’s right. What many people don’t realize is that the same group of players who let Martin down are now thriving under Rohl. This raises a deeper question: was it ever really about the manager? In my opinion, the answer is both yes and no. Martin’s tactical vision clearly didn’t resonate, but the players’ lack of buy-in was just as damning. Football is a results-driven business, and when results don’t come, the manager pays the price. But if you take a step back and think about it, the players’ role in that failure is often overlooked.
One thing that immediately stands out is how quickly the team’s fortunes turned around. Rohl didn’t wave a magic wand; he simply got the players to perform. This suggests that the issue under Martin wasn’t just tactical—it was psychological. The players shifted the blame, as Dorrans admits, and that’s a dangerous game. When the fans turn on the manager, it’s all too easy for players to think, ‘It’s not my fault.’ But that mentality is toxic, and it’s a lesson every footballer should take to heart.
The Rohl Effect
What this really suggests is that Rohl’s success isn’t just about his tactics—it’s about his ability to reset the team’s mindset. From my perspective, this is where the real story lies. Rohl didn’t inherit a completely new squad; he inherited a group of players who were capable all along. The upward trajectory since his arrival isn’t just about strategy; it’s about accountability. Rohl got the players to stop pointing fingers and start taking responsibility. That’s leadership, and it’s why Rangers are now in the title race.
The Bigger Picture
If you look at the broader trend in football, this isn’t an isolated incident. Managers are often the first to go when things go wrong, but the players’ role in a team’s downfall is rarely scrutinized. What this season at Rangers highlights is the need for a more nuanced conversation about accountability in football. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the same players who were written off under Martin are now being hailed as heroes. It’s a reminder that football is as much about psychology as it is about skill.
The Old Firm Intensity
Dorrans’ reflections on the intensity of Old Firm derbies compared to MLS games are also telling. The pace, the passion, the sheer ferocity of Scottish football is something you don’t fully appreciate until it’s gone. Personally, I think this contrast underscores why Rangers’ players should never have let their standards slip. The Old Firm isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. To play in it is a privilege, and to underperform in it is a betrayal—not just of the manager, but of the fans and the club’s history.
The Final Stretch
As Rangers head into the final games of the season, the question isn’t just whether they can win the title—it’s whether they deserve to. If they do, it won’t just be a victory for Rohl; it’ll be a redemption story for the players. But here’s the thing: redemption only counts if it’s earned. If Rangers lift the trophy, it should come with a collective acknowledgment that they let Martin down. That’s the only way this story ends with a moral.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Managers
In the end, Rangers’ season is a study in contrasts—between a manager who couldn’t get the players to buy in and one who did. But it’s also a story about the players themselves, about their ability to rise above their own excuses. As Dorrans hopes for a title party in Glasgow, I’m left wondering: will the players truly learn from this? Or will they just chalk it up to a change in management? Personally, I think the answer will define not just this season, but the character of this Rangers squad for years to come.
