Rangers FC head coach Danny Rohl has revealed that the club is working around the clock to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window, ahead of Saturday’s Old Firm derby against Celtic at Celtic Park. This is Rohl’s first opportunity to influence transfers since his appointment in October 2025, and he insists the team is being patient but ambitious in the market.

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Rangers Manager Focused on Transfers

Rohl emphasized the importance of timing, negotiations, and decision-making in the current transfer window.

“We are working 24/7 for players,” Rohl said. “It’s about decision making, it’s about negotiations, it’s about timing. We have some players in our mind but you have to be a little bit patient. You always hope as a manager to get the players in very early. In January you have to be patient, but you have to be demanding. You have to take the opportunities and there are opportunities in the market.”

The German coach hinted that a left-back is a potential area of improvement. Jayden Meghoma is currently the only left-sided full-back in the squad, while there are three options on the right — Max Aarons, Dujon Sterling, and captain James Tavernier.

Former Heart of Midlothian defender James Penrice, now with AEK Athens, has been linked with Rangers as a possible signing, though nothing has been confirmed.

“On the right side, I have good options,” Rohl added. “Jayden at the moment is very solid, especially on the defensive side. I like how he has improved. Sometimes I played Max on the left, so it could be an area that we are looking to improve.”

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Old Firm Derby Preview

Rohl will be preparing for his first Old Firm Scottish Premiership match in charge, having only previously experienced the fixture in November, when Rangers lost 3-1 in the Premier Sports Cup under interim manager Martin O’Neill.

Rangers currently trail second-placed Celtic by three points, while Wilfried Nancy’s Hearts lead the league.

“We are ready,” Rohl said. “We have big confidence at the moment, we have a big belief. We need a good start in the game. It will be an emotional game from both teams. I can nearly go with my best XI. This is a good feeling for me.”

The German manager highlighted the importance of intensity, momentum, and defensive solidity in the derby.

“Football’s about the small details, it’s about the momentum during the game and we have to try to get the momentum quickly on our side. The idea is how we can break our opponents but it’s also about how aggressive we are in the duels. I want to see a brave team. You have to defend really well around your own box.”

Rohl admitted that winning the Old Firm for the first time as manager would be special:

“For this, we need a big, big performance. It’s just three points – but this game is never about just three points. There is an emotional side. If we are right there, we are front foot and we can win some good balls and hurt them, then they will be more nervous – but if they create good moments in the beginning, the crowd will be behind them.”