This Sunday is a strange one for Rangers and particularly Danny Rohl.
The reality is that the German coach is facing a hiding to nothing.
Win, and there will be a fleeting relief from the Rangers supporters, as well as schadenfreude at potentially killing off Celtic’s title prospects.
Lose, and the knives will sharpen. Frustration and anger will grow, multiplying the noise around Rohl’s position and future at Ibrox.
A draw won’t do much to enhance his reputation, either.
Words from Danny Rohl mean nothing right now
Is this narrative a fair one? Not entirely, but Rangers fans are completely dejected by the team’s inability to capitalise on genuine opportunities.
In recent weeks, the league title has been there for the taking, but that requires decisive victories.
Something that the current team is incapable of stringing together.
Celtic at home in March is the perfect example. 2-0 up and cruising, only to throw it away.
More recently, the Motherwell performance and result was a debacle, with the Groundhog Day feeling returning against Hearts after a bright start and a 1-0 lead into the half-time break.
At Friday’s press conference, Danny Rohl conveyed the message that:
‘We want to increase. Everyone in the building is clear. A process without winning titles is not enough for this club.’
Do the talking on the pitch
At this stage, words mean very little. The supporters have heard it all before.
All that matters is results and doing the talking on the pitch.
A win on Sunday against Celtic will restore a semblance of pride, but too little, too late.
If Rangers lose, the reaction from a lot of fans will be a predictable one, and the failure of recent weeks will be the reason for it.
Rohl needs to keep the team motivated for the final three games, even if the season has all but ended in a competitive sense, and in the eyes of many fans.
Anything but three victories will not be looked at favourably.
