Danny Rohl makes unexpected squad call ahead of pivotal Rangers vs Hearts showdown

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl refused to be drawn on a team news update ahead of the pivotal SPFL Premiership clash against Hearts on Sunday.

The 36-year-old German adopted a measured, defensive approach at Friday’s press conference ahead of the meeting with Derek McInnes’ league leaders, opting not to give too much away. 

His frank responses appear to have been influenced by the criticism aimed toward the former Sheffield Wednesday boss and his team after the draw with Motherwell on Wednesday night. Two crucial points were squandered in the final minutes of the Fir Park clash, despite Rangers having a one-man advantage after the red card shown to the hosts’ Lukas Fadinger on 78 minutes.

For the final stages of the game, Rohl chose to hold the lead instead of pushing for a killer second goal, and the plan backfired, with on-loan Celtic defender Stephen Welsh securing a deserved share of the points for the Well.

🗣️ "We want to challenge them and beat them."
🗣️ "When I look at the form table since I am here, we are top."

Danny Röhl looks ahead to the 100th game in his managerial career as Rangers host leaders Hearts – live on Sky Sports on Sunday 📺 pic.twitter.com/sEUojYzVm2

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 13, 2026

Danny Rohl declines team news update ahead of Rangers vs. Hearts

The one-time Bayern Munich and Germany assistant coach appeared to be stinging from the significant criticism from the Rangers fanbase following the slip in Lanarkshire, with some spiky responses evident during the press conference.

A team news update is a usual formality at these gatherings, with updates provided on fitness and availability, but it was not forthcoming on this occasion.

When prompted, Danny Rohl would not divulge any details on his squad for Sunday.

“Yeah, what I learned the last time was to speak not too early about who is available. Still 48 hours. I can’t give you another update today.”

Rangers started the game against Motherwell with only one of their four January signings, Tochi Chukwuani.

Andreas Skov Olsen and Tuur Rommens remained on the bench, while German striker Ryan Naderi wasn’t introduced until just after the hour mark.

The Gers were profligate in front of goal, lacking a ruthless edge up front to kill the game, despite taking the lead through Niko Raskin.

In the aftermath of the game, the supporters maligned Rohl’s decision not to introduce his important January transfer window acquisitions, jarred by the stronger team that lined up against Championship strugglers Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup the previous Sunday.

The 8-0 scoreline against the Spiders, followed a comprehensive 5-1 dismantling of Kilmarnock, but the confidence ahead of the Motherwell clash didn’t translate to further progress.

Rohl responds to criticism after Motherwell draw

Rohl detailed after the Motherwell draw that his decisions were influenced by fitness and condition issues, with some players, while there appeared to be one eye on the upcoming Hearts encounter.

On the flak aimed his way, the Zwickau-born coach responded:

“Yeah, I think as a manager you always take responsibility. I made my decision before the game, there was an idea behind it. 

“And then after, the decision-making is influenced by the result. If you play a draw, then you have to ask maybe such critical questions, but this is normal. 

“I think I had some reasons, I said this, that was the reason why I can’t tell you today about the injuries, or not such things. In 24 hours between my press conference and the game, some things changed, I got some new information, and I have to make new decisions.”

‘You’re only as good as your last game’ is the adage in the goldfish bowl that is football in Glasgow, and especially now in the three-way title fight, with Celtic and Hearts. 

This week, Danny Rohl got a stark reminder of the unique Scottish football environment and the relentless expectations at Ibrox, just as it appeared that all was well with Rangers recording seven wins and two draws since their last defeat – the 2-1 loss to Hearts in December.

By his own admission, the Sunday showdown at Ibrox is a must-win game for Rangers. 

Rangers must win against Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday

Hearts lead the SPFL Premiership table by five points, Rangers can’t afford for that gap to become eight.

Celtic are currently in third place, one point behind Rangers, with one game in hand over both teams above them. 

Martin O’Neill’s side travel to Kilmarnock on Sunday knowing that they need to take all three points in what is a thrilling title race, and a breath of fresh air for Scottish football.

After Motherwell, Danny Rohl suggested that he was content to settle for a point, but this was clarified in Friday’s press gathering. 

He stressed, ‘Maybe I wasn’t clear enough,’ but there is no ambiguity now on the state of play. 

The lines are drawn, the stakes are high, and it’s a fight to the finish with 12 league games remaining.

The Rangers’ support will provide a raucous backing to their team against Hearts, with pressure on the players to respond and deliver.

The Gorgie men will have other ideas, but only a win will do for the Gers. Anything else could be fatal for their league title aspirations. 

Rangers vs. Hearts is live on Sky Sports on Sunday with a 4.30 PM kick-off.