Danny Rohl faces the same daunting Rangers challenge that once confounded Robbie Keane at Celtic
Robbie Keane understands the challenge facing Danny Rohl at Rangers, having navigated similar circumstances during his own Celtic tenure. Rohl inherited a squad trailing significantly in the league, with frustrated supporters and pressing demands for squad improvements. Keane faced an equivalent situation when he joined Celtic in January 2010 on loan from Tottenham, tasked with closing a substantial gap behind Rangers under manager Tony Mowbray.
The Irish striker delivered impressive individual performances, scoring 16 goals across 19 appearances in green and white. However, the supporting cast failed to maintain required standards, and Mowbray departed after just nine months following a devastating 4-0 defeat to St Mirren. Despite the ultimate disappointment, Keane treasured his Glasgow experience, particularly the intense derby atmosphere against Rangers.
Reflecting on that period, Keane acknowledged the substantial deficit Celtic faced when he arrived, estimating they were already 12 to 14 points adrift. He valued the personal success he achieved, though acknowledging that winning silverware proved impossible given the team’s transitional state. He noted that Celtic’s subsequent dominance proved far more successful than his brief window allowed.
Currently managing Ferencvaros in Hungary, Keane expressed cautious optimism about Rohl’s early impact. Rangers remain winless in European competition, accumulating just one point from five matches and facing potential elimination. Conversely, Ferencvaros have progressed impressively, claiming victories over Genk, RB Salzburg, and Ludogroets to reach sixth position and approach qualification for the knockout round.
Keane detailed his tactical analysis of Rohl’s Rangers, noting their preference for attacking runs and possession-based play involving frequent rotations. He observed that the manager appears to have stabilized the team, particularly domestically where they currently occupy fourth place unbeaten over recent matches. Despite Rangers’ European struggles, Keane acknowledged their quality and warned of a demanding encounter.
The Ferencvaros manager emphasized his competitive nature and desire to advance through qualification. He stressed that tomorrow’s clash represents a challenging fixture despite Rangers’ disappointing European form. Assistant coach Stephen Glass, recently appointed from Aberdeen, brings valuable Scottish football experience that complements Keane’s own knowledge from his playing days in that league.
Keane praised Glass as an excellent coach who provides calm counterbalance to his occasionally heated touchline demeanor. Their collaboration developed through mutual representation, with Keane recognizing this moment as ideal timing given the departure of previous assistant Rory Delap. Glass’s recent Scottish football background combined with Keane’s firsthand experience provides comprehensive preparation for navigating the intense demands ahead.
