The situation of Rangers defender Derek Cornelius has been widely discussed in recent days since we revealed he had been demoted to train with the youth team by Danny Rohl.
At the time there was cause for speculation around what caused such a definitive decision at a crucial point in both the 28-year-old’s recovery and Rangers season.
Cornelius Rangers Situation
It was initially suggested by reports that this was simply “training with them to gain fitness and build his way back to first team.”
However, while getting some minutes with reserve sides during recovery from an injury is a regular occurrence.
Training full-time with them is not.
Marsch admits mistakes
Cornelius, despite not featuring for Rangers since November due to a knock, was called up to the Canadian national team this week by Jesse Marsch.
The former Leeds boss confirmed the reports – and shouldered the blame for the defender’s situation.
He said that Rohl “feels confident with the group that he has”.
He says this “has meant that Derek hasn’t had the opportunity to win his spot back into the team.”
Whilst also confirming Cornelius “has been training with the academy there at Rangers.”
Marsch revealed that he tried to mediate between player and club.
He explained how communication broke down, leaving the defender marooned in the youth’s at the training centre.
“Some of the conversation that I translated from one to the other got lost in translation,” he explained.
“This led to a situation that wasn’t advantageous for Derek or for the team.
“I tried to then revisit a conversation with Derek and Danny to get things moving in the right direction as smoothly as possible.
“Whether Derek stays and trains with the academy, whether he eventually establishes himself.
“Or whether he gets matches with the U19s, we’re going to find a way to continue to push Derek.”
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Despite his issues at Rangers, Marsch is making it clear that Cornelius remains committed and, in the frame, internationally.
He has confirmed his World Cup chances are still very much alive, provided he reaches the required level physically.
But he may only have these breaks with his country to do so – unless something dramatic happens at home between now and the summer.
