The veteran Hoops stand-in gaffer has been scathing in his criticism of Rangers this season as a TalkSPORT pundit
Rangers manager Danny Rohl insists his players don’t require Martin O’Neill’s radio barbs as motivation – because they’re already buzzing to defeat Celtic.
The seasoned Hoops interim manager has been brutal in his assessment of Rangers this campaign whilst working as a TalkSPORT pundit. O’Neill wrote off their prospects of mounting a title challenge this term and claimed the present Ibrox outfit would be demolished by the side he encountered during his initial spell as Celtic boss 25 years ago.
However, Rohl maintains he won’t be displaying the Irishman’s remarks on the Hampden changing room wall ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final. He’s convinced that his squad possess sufficient drive to triumph in the derby, without needing O’Neill’s observations to motivate them, reports the Daily Record.
Prior to the 73-year-old taking over from Brendan Rodgers as caretaker manager, he declared: “Rangers are no threat whatsoever. They are so far adrift, it’s untrue.”
And earlier this campaign, following Gers’ 1-1 stalemate away to St Mirren, O’Neill hammered them by stating: “The Rangers side I was up against then would beat this Rangers side 12-0.”
Yet when questioned about O’Neill’s criticism before the semi-final showdown at Hampden, Rohl responded: “For me, it’s always important to focus on myself.
“I’m not a coach who looks too much into other teams because we have a lot of work to do. We have to do a lot of things right here. So my focus is on my team.
“What other coaches have said is not so important for me. I don’t think it’s necessary to have such words for motivation.
“My players are really motivated for a game like this. Everybody wants to play in this game because they want to be part of it – and part of a successful team.”
At merely 36, Rohl will face off against legendary manager O’Neill who is 37 years his senior.
The German acknowledges he doesn’t possess his counterpart’s wealth of experience.
However, he believes both managers will be on level terms when Sunday’s clash kicks off.
Rohl said: “I feel a big respect for such a coaching career (O’Neill’s).
“It’s always great when a manager works so long in the business and you’re successful.
“I’m just at the beginning of my career and I’ve had a lot of work to do to come to this point.
“But the good thing on Sunday is that we start at 0-0. We’re different generations but let’s see what we can bring with our teams in this game.”
Rohl is eagerly anticipating his maiden Old Firm derby barely three weeks into his tenure at Ibrox.
He understands the magnitude of what’s riding on the semi-final and believes a Rangers triumph could spark their campaign into life.
Rohl said: “It’s very exciting. I have some experience but I expect a big one on Sunday.
“This is why we love this game, to be part of such a game.
“It’s all or nothing. You win, you come to the final, you lose and you’re out.
“Everything is on for a great game.
“A win would be a big result. And it would be a great week for us with three wins in a row.
“Of course, it would be fantastic. I can feel it, the energy and the spirit is back. The belief is there.
“Three wins in a row would give us a massive boost.
“This is what I saw and knew when I arrived – the busy schedule and a lot of big games during my first three weeks.
“Now we have two wins and on Sunday we have the chance to take the next step forward.
“Of course, to go to the final would make us very happy.”
Rohl confirmed that Rangers remain in the midst of recruiting an assistant coach with prior experience at the club – though it won’t be finalised until after the upcoming international break.
He said: “We have some more meetings and I think the schedule will be late in the international break when we have sorted this part.
“It’s important that we speak to Kevin (Thelwell) and look at the candidates.
“It has to be a good fit, it’s important for the players – which direction we need and what kind of profile we need to make the next steps.”
Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the latest sports news, headlines and top stories.
#Rangers #manager #Danny #Rohl #responds #Martin #ONeills #threat #jibe #Celtic #clash
