Rangers’ remarkable resurgence has pulled them firmly back into the Scottish Premiership title conversation, but head coach Danny Rohl insists his side have not yet reached the level he expects. A comfortable 2-0 home win over Aberdeen at Ibrox moved Rangers to within three points of leaders Hearts, underlining the scale of their turnaround.
Since Rohl’s arrival in October, Rangers have collected 10 wins from 13 league matches. At the time of his appointment, they were languishing in sixth place, 13 points behind the top and struggling for form after winning just once in eight games. Now, with nearly half the season still to play, the Glasgow side find themselves genuine contenders.
Despite the progress, Rohl was quick to play down any title talk.
“Closing a 13-point gap to just three is a statement, but it’s still not what we want,” he told BBC Sport Scotland. “We’re on a journey, and it’s all about the next game.”
Belief Restored, But Work Still to Be Done
Rohl’s impact has been achieved largely with the same squad that endured heavy criticism during Russell Martin’s troubled spell in charge. The German coach has focused on restoring confidence and belief, and the response from his players has been impressive, with only Hearts managing to beat Rangers in the league since his arrival.
Drawing on past experience, Rohl stressed patience and perspective.
“In football, everything is possible,” he said. “It’s about small steps, belief, and trusting the players. Right now, we’re in a good place, but there’s still a lot to improve.”
Former Scotland international Michael Stewart echoed that view, highlighting areas that still need refinement.
“Rohl knows where the team is at and where it needs to get better,” Stewart said. “They’re winning, but not yet controlling games the way he’d ideally want.”
Title Race Wide Open as Rivals Watch Closely
Rangers are expected to strengthen during the January transfer window, with midfield identified as a key priority, though defensive and attacking reinforcements are also likely. How Rangers, Hearts, and Celtic navigate the transfer market could prove decisive in shaping the title race.
Pundits remain divided over who holds the advantage. Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes Hearts are still favourites, while ex-Rangers forward Kris Boyd urged caution despite the momentum.
“Rangers deserve huge credit for getting back into this, but I’m not getting carried away,” Boyd said. “Danny Rohl knows there’s a long way to go.”
Fans, however, are beginning to dream again. Many have praised improved set-piece threat, the emergence of young midfielder Connor Barron, and the renewed confidence running through the squad.
For now, Rangers have hauled themselves back into contention — but as Rohl repeatedly stresses, the hardest part of the journey may still lie ahead.
