The energy surrounding Glasgow’s great sporting rivalry has always lived far beyond the ninety minutes played on the pitch. It breathes through the city’s streets, echoes through generations of supporters, and carries the weight of decades of triumph, heartbreak, and identity. For those who follow Rangers F.C., every press conference, every tactical decision, and every public remark can feel like a moment that either strengthens or threatens the proud traditions built over more than a century.
At Ibrox, expectations are never modest. The club’s history demands authority, composure, and an unwavering sense of control — especially when the atmosphere around the Old Firm rivalry begins to intensify. Supporters expect their manager not only to lead the team but to embody the calm confidence that has defined Rangers through its most dominant eras. In a rivalry where every word can ignite headlines, discipline off the pitch can sometimes matter as much as the tactics deployed on it.
Yet in the charged build-up to the latest Old Firm encounter, Rangers manager Danny Röhl unexpectedly found himself pulled into a verbal exchange that quickly spiraled into a storm of debate. What began as a routine press conference question soon became a moment that left former Rangers striker Kris Boyd visibly frustrated after hearing the German coach’s response.
During the press conference, Röhl was asked about comments previously made by Celtic midfielder Luke McGowan. While responding, the Rangers boss also referenced Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel — remarks that quickly drew attention across Scottish football.
The comments did not go unnoticed at Celtic Park. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill reacted sharply, describing it as “extraordinary” that the Rangers boss had chosen to speak about his side so directly despite having spent less than a year managing in Glasgow.
For many observers, it was another reminder of how quickly words can escalate in the emotionally volatile theatre that surrounds the Old Firm rivalry.
But it was Boyd’s reaction that captured the attention of Rangers supporters. After watching the press conference footage ahead of the derby, the former Ibrox striker admitted he could hardly believe what he was hearing.
“The way he approached that last Old Firm build-up had me shaking my head,” Boyd said.
“I’ve been around this rivalry long enough to understand how the media works before these games. Journalists will always try to put you on the spot — that’s part of the job. But a Rangers manager has to be smarter than that.”
Boyd insisted that Röhl should have dismissed the question quickly rather than allowing the situation to escalate into what he described as a needless and chaotic distraction ahead of such a massive fixture.
“You don’t give the opposition that kind of oxygen before a derby,” he continued. “All you do is fuel the noise and hand them a storyline.”
The former striker also pointed out the difference in experience between the two managers, suggesting that O’Neill’s long career at Celtic has given him the authority to navigate such moments far more comfortably.
“Martin O’Neill has built credibility through everything he’s achieved at Celtic,” Boyd explained. “He knows exactly how these situations play out. Röhl is still finding his feet in Glasgow, and moments like this can quickly turn into an aggressive media circus if you’re not careful.”
Boyd believes the Rangers boss should instead focus entirely on the message inside the dressing room rather than becoming entangled in public exchanges with rivals.
“Your focus has to stay on the players,” he added. “That drop-off we saw in the last derby was incredible. When the build-up becomes chaotic and emotional, it can spill onto the pitch.”
Despite the criticism, Röhl’s position at Rangers does not appear to be under immediate threat. The club’s hierarchy reportedly remain impressed with the way he steadied the team earlier this season after replacing Russell Martin during a difficult period.
Andrew Cavenagh and the Rangers board are believed to see Röhl as a long-term project — a manager capable of guiding the club through a rebuild while restoring competitive momentum.
Insiders suggest it would take a dramatic collapse in results between now and the end of the campaign for the board to reconsider that stance.
For now, the plan remains clear:
• Continue backing Röhl through the upcoming summer transfer window
• Strengthen key areas of the squad
• Allow the manager time to fully impose his vision on the team
The coming weeks, however, may prove decisive in shaping how Rangers supporters ultimately judge their new manager.
Victory and silverware have a way of silencing criticism at Ibrox, while setbacks can quickly magnify every controversial moment.
Should Röhl guide Rangers to a domestic double, his influence within the club would grow significantly — strengthening his authority in the transfer market and cementing his standing among the supporters.
Until then, the debate surrounding his Old Firm comments will continue to simmer — another reminder of how, in Glasgow’s fiercest rivalry, even a few sentences can ignite a storm of passion, pride, and relentless scrutiny.
