Danny Rohl’s Celtic Focus Raises Concerns Ahead of Scottish Cup Rematch

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – Rangers manager Danny Rohl is facing scrutiny for his repeated focus on Celtic ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final rematch, a contest carrying significant weight after a recent 2-2 draw in the Scottish Premiership. Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has voiced his surprise at Rohl’s comments, suggesting the Rangers boss may be letting his ego influence his approach, particularly as pressure mounts to secure a victory.

The situation stems from Rohl’s pre-match remarks leading up to last week’s Old Firm derby at Ibrox. Instead of concentrating solely on his own team’s preparation, Rohl publicly discussed Celtic’s team selection, their European performances, and even questioned assessments of their overall strength. This approach, considered by many to be a breach of an “unwritten rule” in football, drew criticism from both Sutton and former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill.

“It’s a time for cool heads,” Sutton told the Daily Record. “Rohl showed signs of losing his before the Celtic game last week – and it will be interesting to see how he gets on this weekend in the Scottish Cup rematch. I was really surprised Rohl got mixed up in talking about Celtic’s team section and European performances before the league match. It’s kind of an unwritten rule in football not to talk about opposition teams like that – especially when it’s Celtic.”

Sutton’s concerns aren’t simply about a breach of etiquette. He believes Rohl’s preoccupation with Celtic is a distraction from the core task of preparing his own team. The Rangers manager’s comments about Celtic’s goalkeeper selection and their performance in the Europa League, specifically their match against Stuttgart, were particularly noted. Rohl questioned why Celtic didn’t push for a second goal in Stuttgart, despite needing a significant win to advance in the competition.

This focus on Celtic extended to comments about the Celtic supporters themselves, with Rohl reportedly urging his players to “shut them up” by replicating their first-half performance from the previous encounter. Such statements, according to Sutton, are indicative of a manager losing his composure under pressure. The Scottish Cup rematch presents a crucial opportunity for Rohl to demonstrate control and refocus on Rangers’ own performance.

The initial Old Firm clash saw Rangers take a 2-0 lead through a brace from Youssef Chermiti, only to concede two goals and settle for a draw. That result significantly impacted Rangers’ title aspirations, and the Scottish Cup now represents a realistic chance to secure silverware this season. The stakes are undeniably high for Rohl, and Sutton believes the pressure is beginning to demonstrate.

“There was no need to react to Luke McCowan’s comments but it was the comments about the European performance and who would be playing that was bizarre. And it came back to bite him a bit,” Sutton added. “I reckon even Rangers fans would rather he minded his own business, as he’s got plenty to ponder himself.”

The dynamic between Rohl and O’Neill adds another layer to the situation. Sutton pointed out that engaging in a “battle of wits” with a seasoned manager like O’Neill is a risky proposition. O’Neill, known for his tactical acumen and psychological gamesmanship, is unlikely to be drawn into a public back-and-forth.

Although Rohl has been credited with revitalizing Rangers since taking over, Sutton suggests that his recent behavior could undermine the positive progress made. The former striker believes Rohl needs to prioritize his team’s performance and avoid unnecessary distractions. The Rangers faithful, Sutton implies, would prefer to see their manager focused on addressing the team’s own issues rather than dissecting those of their rivals.

The upcoming Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox will be a significant test for Rohl. A win would alleviate some of the pressure and silence his critics, while a defeat could intensify the scrutiny and raise questions about his leadership. The match is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, 2026, and will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.

Beyond the immediate result, the long-term implications of Rohl’s approach are also worth considering. Maintaining a level head and focusing on internal improvements are crucial for sustained success in any competitive environment. Whether Rohl can heed Sutton’s warning and regain his composure remains to be seen.

The Rangers manager’s ability to navigate this challenging period will be a key factor in determining the club’s fortunes for the remainder of the season. The Scottish Cup quarter-final rematch against Celtic represents a pivotal moment, not just in the competition itself, but also in Rohl’s tenure at Ibrox.

Following Sunday’s match, Rangers will return to Scottish Premiership action with a fixture against St. Mirren on March 15th. The outcome of the cup tie will undoubtedly influence the team’s mindset and approach to that league encounter. Fans can identify the latest updates and team news on the official Rangers website.

What are your thoughts? Do you think Danny Rohl is letting the rivalry obtain to him, or is he simply trying to gain a psychological edge? Share your opinions in the comments below.