Pressure is quietly building at Ibrox, and this time it has little to do with what’s happening on the pitch. Chris Sutton has openly criticised Danny Röhl, claiming the Rangers boss has “shot himself in the foot” after making unnecessary comments about rivals Celtic FC.
At a crucial stage of the season, where every point and decision matters, Sutton believes Röhl has invited pressure onto himself—and potentially disrupted Rangers’ momentum in the title race.
The Comment That Sparked the Storm
The controversy began when Röhl publicly questioned Celtic’s tactical approach following their Europa League exit to Stuttgart. Managed by Martin O’Neill, Celtic were heavily beaten 4-1 in the first leg at home and failed to overturn the deficit in Germany despite an early goal.
Rather than keeping focus on Rangers’ own performances, Röhl chose to voice his confusion over how Celtic approached the tie. While such comments may have been intended as honest analysis, they were widely seen as unnecessary—especially given the intensity of the Old Firm rivalry.
In Scottish football, where tensions between Rangers and Celtic are always simmering, any public remark about the opposition carries weight. Röhl’s comments, therefore, did not go unnoticed—and according to Sutton, they have now backfired.
Sutton’s Blunt Assessment
Sutton did not mince his words when addressing the situation on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Danny Röhl has had too much to say for himself… He’s telling Celtic how they should have played in Europe when his own record isn’t great.”
The former Celtic striker went further, suggesting that Röhl’s remarks have only increased scrutiny from Rangers supporters, many of whom are now questioning why their manager is focusing on external matters instead of internal improvements.
“Why would you shoot yourself in the foot? I don’t understand that.”
Sutton’s criticism reflects a broader sentiment: in a tightly contested title race, discipline off the pitch is just as important as performances on it.
Rangers Still in the Fight
Despite the growing noise, Rangers remain firmly in contention for the Scottish Premiership title. Sitting just three points behind leaders with eight games remaining, the Gers are very much part of the race.
Since replacing Russell Martin, Röhl has stabilised the team and delivered improved results. There have been signs of structure, resilience, and a renewed sense of belief at Ibrox.
However, the job is far from complete. Questions remain about creativity in attack, tactical flexibility, and the team’s mentality in high-pressure situations—areas Sutton has previously highlighted as concerns.
Old Firm Drama Adds Context
Recent clashes between Rangers and Celtic have only heightened the stakes. A dramatic encounter at Ibrox saw Celtic fight back to claim a late draw thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from Reo Hatate. That was followed by a fiery Scottish Cup tie, where Celtic edged through on penalties in a match that ended in heated scenes between supporters.
Against this backdrop, Röhl’s comments about Celtic appear even more ill-timed. Rather than easing pressure, they have added fuel to an already intense rivalry and shifted attention away from Rangers’ own performances.
A Manager Learning on the Job
At just 36, Röhl is still developing as a manager, and situations like this highlight the learning curve that comes with leadership at a club the size of Rangers. Handling media responsibilities, controlling narratives, and maintaining focus are all part of the role—and mistakes can quickly become magnified.
To his credit, Röhl has made a positive impact since his arrival. Rangers are more competitive, and there is a sense that the team is moving in the right direction. However, moments like this underline the importance of keeping attention firmly on the task at hand.
Focus Is Key in the Run-In
With the title race entering its निर्णing phase, distractions could prove costly. Sutton’s warning is clear: Rangers must concentrate on their own performances rather than engaging in debates about their rivals.
If Röhl can refocus his squad and maintain their upward trajectory, Rangers have every chance of pushing their rivals all the way. But if off-field noise continues to grow, it risks undermining the progress made in recent months.
Final Thought
Sutton’s criticism may sting, but it carries a message rooted in experience. Football at the highest level is about margins—fine details that can decide titles, careers, and reputations.
For Danny Röhl, the lesson is simple: let the football do the talking.
Because in a title race this tight, even a few words can make all the difference.