Danny Rohl watched Rangers surge into second place in the Premiership title race and insisted his side have become the league’s unexpected challengers.
The Ibrox outfit leapfrogged Old Firm rivals Celtic with a convincing 2–0 victory over Aberdeen in Govan, closing the gap on leaders Hearts to just three points.
First-half headers from Emmanuel Fernandez and Nico Raskin sealed a crucial win, backing up last weekend’s derby triumph at Parkhead and underlining a remarkable turnaround under the German boss.
From Sixth to Second: Rangers’ Remarkable Rise
When Rohl took charge in October, Rangers were sixth in the table and 13 points behind Hearts. Few predicted they would be genui
ne contenders so quickly.
But after a rapid climb up the standings, Rohl believes his side have exceeded expectations.
“This is not a one-man show,” Rohl said.
“We’re doing this together with the club, my players, the coaches and the staff behind the scenes.
“We’re growing together. We’re on a fantastic way and I think we’ve surprised a lot of people since I’ve been here.
“But I’m hungry and ambitious. I know what it means and I know the effort we’ll need until the end of the season.
“We still have to do more.”
Transfer Window: Promise Rohl Refuses to Make
Rangers travel to Pittodrie on Sunday to face Aberdeen again, but attention is already turning to January recruitment.
Rohl confirmed work is ongoing behind the scenes — but stopped short of making promises on timings or numbers.
“We are in the process and we’re working on it. I can’t say who will be in the squad by the end of the window.
“The club and the board know what we want to do. What we don’t know is if we can do everything we want.
“I’m positive that we will not sign all the new players on the last day of the window.”
However, the Rangers boss made clear he won’t be drawn into setting deadlines.
“I don’t want to say in the next two days because if it goes three, you ask me why.
“It could be the end of the window when you find someone who can really make a big difference.”
Squad Decisions and a Clear Warning
Rohl stressed that clarity and decisiveness are key — both in recruitment and player retention.
“We’re clear on what positions we need and what profiles we need. Now it’s about convincing them.
“It makes no sense to keep players if they’re not getting minutes.
“Players on the bench want to be on the train — but they have to be on the front foot or the train leaves the station without them.”
He also hinted new arrivals would ideally be available for Rangers’ Scottish Cup clash with Annan next Friday.
Rohl Delights in Dons Win and Raskin’s Leadership
Despite fatigue following the Old Firm derby, Rohl praised his side’s mentality and professionalism.
“It’s the next three points and a clean sheet — that’s the most important thing.
“In the last 15 minutes, we felt empty, but we controlled the game and deserved to win.”
Special praise was reserved for man-of-the-match Nico Raskin, whose influence continues to grow.
“From my side, I’m very clear on Nico — he’s a key player.
“He’s aggressive against the ball, can score from set-plays, and he’s a leader.
“Ten weeks ago we asked for leaders and he’s stepped up more and more. For me, there is no question mark with Nico.”
