Martin O'Neill, the Rangers manager, took issue with Danny Rohl's comments about the Stuttgart match, branding them as 'extraordinary' and suggesting Rohl sounds more like a fan than a manager. O'Neill's reaction was sparked by Rohl's criticism of his team's performance, particularly their decision-making in the early stages of the game.
O'Neill, who returned to Glasgow after his team's 1-0 Europa League win over Stuttgart, was surprised by Rohl's assessment, which he perceived as dismissive of his team's efforts. Rohl's suggestion that the team didn't go all out in the match, despite a strong start, rubbed O'Neill the wrong way, especially given the context of the Old Firm derby approaching.
The manager, who will turn 74 on Sunday, suspects Rohl's youth (36 years old) might contribute to his lack of experience in high-pressure situations. O'Neill's response to Rohl's comments was measured but firm, emphasizing his team's determination to win the match.
He highlighted the team's missed opportunities, including a chance for Daizen Maeda to extend the lead after just six minutes and a late opportunity for Seb Tounekti. O'Neill's emphasis on their efforts to win the tie was clear, despite Rohl's contrasting view.
Rohl's subsequent comments about O'Neill's team selection and goalkeeping choices further agitated the Rangers manager. O'Neill found Rohl's interest in his team's composition curious, especially given Rohl's relatively short tenure in Glasgow. He hinted that Rohl's perspective might evolve over time as he gains more experience in the city.
Despite Rohl's criticisms, O'Neill has a recent advantage in the Old Firm derbies, having led Celtic to a thrilling League Cup semi-final victory over Rohl's team in November. However, O'Neill remains focused on his team's performance and the upcoming derby, where he aims to showcase his best team, including the key decision regarding Celtic's goalkeeper.
