From “hopeful” to “expectant”—the Danny Röhl revolution at Ibrox has officially entered its next phase. As Rangers prepare to travel to Fir Park on Wednesday, they do so not just as a team in form, but as a squad with a completely recalibrated psychological edge.
Fresh from being named January’s Manager of the Month on Tuesday, Röhl has challenged his players to maintain their “winning mindset” against a Motherwell side that hasn’t conceded a goal at home since mid-October.
The Death of Fear
Reflecting on the progress made since his October appointment, Röhl admitted that the Rangers of old might have approached a midweek trip to Motherwell with trepidation.
“A couple of weeks ago maybe we were a little bit too respectful, too fearful for such a game,” Röhl said. “Now we’re looking forward to it. The mindset is always to go for a win instead of a draw. I want to see a team who goes with courage on the pitch.”
That courage was on full display at the weekend as the Light Blues dismantled Queen’s Park 8-0 in the Scottish Cup. With seven wins from their last eight Premiership outings, the “Gers” have transformed a season of drift into a genuine three-way title fight alongside Celtic and league leaders Hearts.
A Pivotal Week in the Title Race
The trip to Motherwell is merely the opening act of a season-defining week. Following the clash with the Steelmen, Rangers host Hearts on Sunday in a match that could see the Ibrox side finally leapfrog the Jambos at the summit of the table.
With 13 goals in their last two games, Rangers’ firepower is undeniable. However, it is the defensive solidity—conceding just eight goals in 16 matches under the German—that provides the foundation for Röhl’s “winning mindset.”
- The Record: Only one defeat in the Premiership under Röhl (December vs Hearts).
- The Prize: A win on Wednesday puts immense pressure on Celtic and Hearts ahead of the weekend.
- The Goal: To dismantle a Motherwell defence that has become a fortress at Fir Park.
Fitba Focus Verdict: The “Röhl Effect” is no longer just a honeymoon period; it is a tactical and mental overhaul that has Rangers fans believing the title is coming home.
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
