Celtic defeated Rangers by three goals to one after extra time to reach next month’s Scottish League Cup final.
After the match, Danny Röhl spoke to members of the media about the game and the next steps in his relatively new role as Manager of Rangers.
Danny, not the result you would have wanted, but how would you assess your team’s performance over those 120 minutes?
“Of course, we’re disappointed — you could feel that in the dressing room straight after the game. But I think it’s a good sign that the players were frustrated, because it shows how much it matters to them.
“After the red card, we were very much on the front foot. We were brave, and I was proud of the way we reacted. At half-time, we changed shape to a 4-3-2, added another attacking player, and looked to press higher and exploit the space behind their back line.
“The equaliser was fully deserved. Naturally, the opponent had a few moments, but overall the way we played — our bravery, our running, our resilience — was outstanding. Of course, the result is disappointing; we’re out of the cup, but the performance was full of character.”
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Can I ask about a few refereeing decisions? First, the two yellow cards — any complaints about the red card?
“I haven’t watched the red card back yet. It looked a bit rough, but it’s not my role to speak about those decisions. I said before the game that my focus is on us — not the other manager, not the opposition, and not the referees.
“From my perspective, I saw a team that’s made big progress over the last week or so. There’s still plenty to improve, but that’s my job during the week.”
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When the penalty was awarded, the player involved was already on a booking. Do you believe it should have been a second yellow card?
“There’s a rule about that, yes — if it’s a handball and a penalty, it could also be a yellow card. But honestly, with all the different interpretations of handballs in the box these days, it’s hard to keep track.
“For me, what matters most is the character we showed. It was outstanding. I think nobody should question this team’s mentality, because today they proved just how strong that part of our game is.”
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Your goalkeeper took a late kick to the head from Auston Trusty — do you feel that, with your player being sent off, he should have been too?
“You can go through all the individual moments and decisions in a game like this, but that’s not where my focus is. I won’t speak about that.”
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Your captain has spoken about inconsistency in refereeing decisions this season. Is that something you’ll look to raise with the SFA or the authorities?
“Yes, I think that’s the next step. The last two results went our way, and we showed that we can perform at that level again. Today, after a tough run, I won’t pretend everything is fine — it’s still a defeat — but I saw a lot of things done right.
“Even with ten men, I genuinely felt we could win the game after 90 minutes. The supporters were fantastic, and the atmosphere was brilliant. It’s just frustrating not to have something to show for it.”
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You’ve spoken before about building momentum. What does this result mean for that?
“I said after the last game that there will be some small setbacks along the way. I wouldn’t call this a “good defeat,” but I did see another big step forward.
“The players didn’t let the red card affect their belief. They stuck to our plan and kept attacking. In the second half, even with ten men, we created several clear chances — I think four times we were one-on-one with the goalkeeper. That tells me we’re on the right path.
“It’s about small steps, but if we keep moving in this direction, I’m convinced we’ll win a lot of games. My job and my staff’s job is to show the players what worked well, what needs improving, and keep pushing forward.”
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You created plenty of chances — do you need to be more clinical?
“Yes, we need to be more clinical in both boxes. That’s crucial to winning games. On Wednesday, we were very solid and took our chances, but in matches like this, the margins are fine.
In big games, you have to be ruthless at both ends of the pitch. Of course, that’s an area we’ll keep working on. But right now, I want to focus on the positives — the steps we’re taking, the belief in the team, and the direction we’re heading.”
Callum McFadden 