Rangers manager Danny Rohl has suggested that the stage could be set for striker Youssef Chermiti to become an unlikely hero in Saturday's crucial Old Firm clash against Celtic at Parkhead.
A Difficult Start at Ibrox
Since his £8 million move from Everton in the summer, Chermiti's time in Glasgow has been underwhelming. The Portuguese under-21 international has managed just two goals in 21 appearances, a return that has seen him labelled an expensive flop by many supporters. The hefty fee made him a symbol of the previous recruitment strategy under departed sporting director Kevin Thelwell.
However, Rohl, who took charge at Ibrox in October after replacing Russell Martin, has detected a recent shift. The German coach pointed to Chermiti's performance in Tuesday night's 2-1 win over St Mirren as a potential turning point, praising the striker's hold-up and link-up play.
Rohl's Challenge to the Striker
"Sometimes in football, you need special stories," Rohl said ahead of the derby. "Maybe tomorrow we can write a fantastic story with Youssef. And it would be for everyone, the support, Rangers. A fantastic story."
The manager was quick to add a note of caution, insisting that one good game is not enough. "He has to continue this performance, he has to show again what he showed against St Mirren," Rohl stated. "Now we face our next opponent, they are of course with more individual quality, that means you have to step up again."
Rohl revealed he has been working closely with Chermiti to develop specific aspects of his game. "His effort against the ball was already there," he explained. "Now, he starts to be more of a link player... He gives us an exit ball, he is the target player to hold the ball."
The next phase of development, according to the manager, is more incisive movement. "Now, it’s about his movements into the box. That is the next step for him... His movements in the box must be more and more, so that it’s difficult for defenders to mark him."
Title Race and Transfer Plans
The match arrives with Rangers just three points behind Celtic in what is shaping up to be a tense Scottish Premiership title race. Rohl reflected on the progress made since his arrival, noting that being this close to their rivals was not a given.
While acknowledging the January transfer window is an opportunity to strengthen an unbalanced squad, Rohl emphasised his commitment to improving existing players like Chermiti. "The players are the most valuable thing I have," he said, adding that he and his staff are nevertheless "working 24/7 for new players."
Looking ahead to the intense atmosphere of Celtic Park, the former Bayern Munich coach drew on his experience of major derbies. "I know what it means to play such a game. It always starts at 0-0. There’s a lot of emotional things involved," he said, expressing confidence his squad is ready for the challenge. "We will not make the mistake... of underrating the opponent."
Rohl concluded with a message of intent for the Rangers support, stating the club wants to "bring the pride back, the success back." A positive result against their oldest foes, potentially inspired by a resurgent Chermiti, would be a significant step in that direction.
