Rangers manager Danny Rohl has instructed his players to crank up the pressure on a faltering Celtic by making a blistering start to Saturday's pivotal Old Firm clash at Celtic Park.
Psychological Battle at Parkhead
A victory for the visitors would see them draw level on points with their arch-rivals at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. Rohl is fully aware of the intense scrutiny facing his opposite number, Wilfried Nancy, whose tenure has begun shakily with three defeats in his first five league games.
The pressure on Nancy escalated after Celtic's 2-0 defeat away to Motherwell on Tuesday, a result that has prompted sections of the home support to call for his dismissal. In contrast, Rangers have steadily rebuilt their title challenge under Rohl's guidance.
"Yeah, I think they're nervous, what you heard so far," Rohl stated. "But I think it's about us, how we start in such a game. I totally believe if we are right there and we are on the front foot and we can win some good balls and we hurt them, then they will be more nervous."
Seizing the Momentum Early
The German coach emphasised that the match transcends the mere three points on offer, highlighting its immense emotional weight. He believes a positive result would provide a "big booster" for his squad's momentum.
Rohl and his analytical team have studied Celtic's change of shape under Nancy, noting the champions have failed to keep a clean sheet since his arrival. He pinpointed a key moment in the Motherwell loss where Celtic missed a chance to equalise, illustrating the fine margins in football.
"Football is about those small details, about the momentum during a game," Rohl added. "We have to try to put our momentum into the game very soon in this game. Every team, every system has weaknesses."
A Call for Bravery and Aggression
Rohl's game plan revolves around a high-tempo, aggressive approach designed to exploit the areas where Celtic have looked vulnerable. He stressed the need for his team to be both disciplined in defence and brave in possession.
"If you find the mix, especially if you play quick and fast in the areas where they have problems, then you're in a good way," he explained. "It's also about how aggressive we are in the duels. I think that will be a crucial thing. And then I want to see a brave team."
Despite the high stakes, Rohl maintained perspective, noting the season would continue regardless of the outcome, citing his team's strong response after a recent loss to Hearts. However, he acknowledged the significant psychological advantage a win at Parkhead would deliver in this fiercely contested title race.
