Danny Rohl’s history with Rangers emerges as Steven Gerrard considers a former Liverpool teammate for a surprise role.

Danny Röhl’s future at Rangers appears increasingly uncertain, with reports suggesting the German coach could be on his way out of Ibrox in the near future. As speculation grows surrounding his departure, former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has once again emerged as the leading contender to take charge of the club.

Gerrard has been linked with a return to Rangers on multiple occasions over the past year, and discussions surrounding a potential comeback have intensified following developments involving Röhl. While the Liverpool legend has previously resisted opportunities to return, sources indicate he may be willing to reconsider if he is satisfied with the club’s structure, ambitions, and long-term vision.

Steven Gerrard won a championship medal at Rangers, the only manager to do so since Walter Smith left in 2011(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Röhl, who only recently took over managerial responsibilities at Rangers, has reportedly attracted serious interest from Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg. The 37-year-old is believed to have been personally identified as a preferred candidate by former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who now plays a prominent role within Red Bull’s football operations. Talks between Salzburg and Rangers are said to be ongoing, and indications suggest that Röhl would welcome the opportunity to move to Austria.

Although Röhl initially earned praise for revitalizing Rangers and helping the team mount a strong challenge in the Scottish Premiership, his standing among supporters has declined significantly following a disappointing end to the campaign. Rangers had successfully reduced a substantial points deficit and entered the final phase of the season with genuine hopes of winning the title.

At one stage, the Glasgow club found themselves only a single point behind league leaders Hearts after overcoming what had once been a 13-point gap. However, their title challenge unravelled dramatically during the split. Consecutive defeats proved costly, and a sequence of four losses in a row ultimately derailed their ambitions. Rangers slipped down the standings and eventually finished third, while fierce rivals Celtic capitalized on their struggles to secure another league championship.

The disappointing collapse has led to growing frustration among sections of the Rangers support, with some fans questioning Röhl’s ability to handle the pressure associated with managing one of Scotland’s biggest clubs. As a result, reports linking him with a departure have gained increasing credibility in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Rangers executives are currently attending the North American Rangers Supporters Association (NARSA) convention in Nashville, Tennessee. According to reports emerging from the event, conversations among club officials have given the impression that Röhl’s tenure is already being viewed as something from the past. Such discussions have only fueled speculation that a managerial change could be imminent.

Should Röhl leave, Steven Gerrard appears to be the strongest candidate to replace him. The former England captain remains highly respected among many Rangers supporters due to his achievements during his previous spell at the club. His success in Glasgow transformed his managerial reputation and helped restore Rangers’ status as serious challengers domestically.

Danny Rohl has faced criticism for Rangers’ late season collapse(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Image)

As part of a potential return, Gerrard is believed to be considering significant changes to his coaching staff. During previous discussions regarding the Rangers job, he had hoped to recruit experienced coach Steve Holland. However, Holland is now an important member of Michael Carrick’s coaching team at Manchester United, making such an appointment difficult.

Consequently, Gerrard is reportedly looking elsewhere for trusted allies. One likely addition would be Gary McAllister, who previously worked alongside him during his successful first stint at Ibrox. McAllister played a key role in Gerrard’s coaching setup and remains one of his closest football advisors.

Another intriguing possibility is former Liverpool defender Daniel Agger. The Danish ex-international enjoyed a lengthy playing career alongside Gerrard at Anfield, where the two developed a strong relationship over nearly a decade as teammates. Agger has since gained coaching experience, including a spell managing Danish First Division side HB Køge. He currently serves as assistant coach to Denmark national team manager Brian Riemer.

Agger’s potential involvement would add further Liverpool influence to Gerrard’s backroom team. The former defender has previously assisted Gerrard informally, offering insights and advice during Rangers’ European encounters. One notable example came in 2021 when Rangers faced Danish side Brøndby in the Europa League. Gerrard later revealed that Agger had provided valuable information ahead of those matches.

Gerrard’s previous tenure at Rangers remains one of the most significant managerial periods in the club’s modern history. He arrived at Ibrox in the summer of 2018, taking charge during a difficult period as Rangers sought to close the gap on Celtic and re-establish themselves as Scotland’s dominant force.

Although his first two seasons did not yield silverware, Gerrard gradually built a competitive squad and implemented a clear playing philosophy. His efforts culminated in the historic 2020–21 campaign, when Rangers won the Scottish Premiership title without losing a single league match. That achievement ended Celtic’s run of consecutive championships and cemented Gerrard’s place in Rangers folklore.

The unbeaten league triumph remains one of the club’s most memorable accomplishments in recent decades. Under Gerrard’s leadership, Rangers demonstrated consistency, defensive resilience, and attacking quality, ultimately dominating the competition throughout the season.

In November 2021, Gerrard departed Rangers after accepting an offer to become manager of Aston Villa in the English Premier League. While his exit disappointed many supporters, the foundations he established continued to benefit the club. The squad he assembled went on to lift the Scottish Cup later that season and also reached the Europa League final, narrowly missing out on European glory.

Despite mixed results during subsequent managerial appointments, Gerrard’s reputation among Rangers fans has remained largely positive. His name has repeatedly resurfaced whenever the managerial position becomes available. He was strongly linked with a return last year before the club ultimately appointed Russell Martin instead.

In addition to Rangers, Gerrard has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for other managerial vacancies, including the position at Burnley. Nevertheless, the opportunity to return to Ibrox may hold particular appeal given his previous success there and his connection with the supporters.

However, not everyone within the Rangers hierarchy may be fully convinced. Chairman Andrew Cavanagh is reportedly aware of the circumstances surrounding previous managerial searches and may have reservations about appointing Gerrard. The club’s public pursuit of him following Martin’s departure attracted considerable attention, and decision-makers may be cautious about revisiting the situation.

Alongside Gerrard, other names continue to be linked with the Rangers job. Hearts manager Derek McInnes remains among the candidates frequently mentioned in media reports. His experience in Scottish football and strong track record have earned him admirers within the game.

For now, uncertainty surrounds the future of both Danny Röhl and Rangers. With Salzburg pursuing the German coach and speculation intensifying around Steven Gerrard’s possible return, the coming days could prove decisive. Whether Rangers choose continuity or opt for a familiar face, a significant decision appears to be approaching as the club prepares for another crucial chapter in its history.