It’s safe to say while it’s only a quarter, most of Rangers’ season rests now on Sunday.
Even though some Rangers fans still believe 56 is in reach this term, the most realistic prospect for silverware is the Scottish Cup and that means overcoming Celtic.
It’ll only get to the semis, but it would be a big boost. And Rohl has confirmed today that winning ‘a’ trophy this season is 100% essential. A must.
It is, however, a big ask.
Celtic are getting their mojo back, and considered the point at Ibrox a statement in itself. They have now gone past Rangers in the table and Danny Rohl’s side are on the back foot.
Getting past them in the cup would be a very decent scalp to say the least.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst did the same in 2022 in the semis to secure the cup final v Hearts, and Danny Rohl has to emulate that.
But he will have to do a much, much better job this time than last.
Not only were Rangers not superior enough in the first half (the stats are not that flattering), but the home side didn’t take enough advantage of Martin O’Neill’s selection mistakes and tactical errors.
Stats
Just two shots on target for the home side that first 45. The second half saw the visitors fix their errors and produce a much better performance which Rohl simply didn’t respond to.
His game management has been questioned by some and he really needs to pick that up to secure passage this weekend.
Celtic are in a bit of an ascendancy. Rangers are currently going the other way.
The best way to arrest that is to produce a big win against them in the cup and keep silverware hopes alive.
The real question is can he?
Rangers under him against Celtic has been a bizarre mixed bag. A loss in the league cup at Ibrox (albeit on penalties) and a draw in the league has been the upshot against MON. Against the farcical Nancy it was of course 1-3 but let’s not forget the hosts dominated and outfoxed Rohl until Youssef Messi showed up.
Rohl must do a lot better this weekend against the team Rangers are always measured on.
His job is safe. His approval rating around 90% in a recent Ibrox Noise poll.
Rohl is under no threat. But Rangers ending another season without silverware would be intolerable for many.
We need to beat Celtic.