Danny Rohl wants Rangers to come out of the tunnel at full throttle and put Celtic on the back foot from the opening whistle, as the Old Firm rivalry prepares to ignite again at Parkhead.
With Hoops boss Wilfried Nancy under intense scrutiny after five defeats in seven matches, the clash feels like it could tilt the title race, and Rohl senses an opportunity.
Since replacing Russell Martin in October, the Rangers boss has flipped the script, driving a resurgence powered by eight wins, two draws and just one defeat, a form that has dragged them to within three points of the champions and six behind leaders Hearts.
And now, as the derby pressure builds like a late surge into the box, Rohl wants his players locked in, aggressive and fearless.
“There is a big belief, there is a big confidence, and we are hunters at the moment. I like this role, let’s hunt the opponent tomorrow,” he laid out his mindset clearly to Sky Sports.
Momentum is swinging, and with striker Bojan Miovski back after illness, Rohl believes Rangers can press high, win second balls, and force Celtic into mistakes.
He didn’t shy away from the psychological edge either.
“I think they [Celtic] are nervous, from what you heard so far.”
But instead of focusing only on their rivals, Rohl stressed execution by staying on the front foot, closing down quickly, and striking when the opportunity opens up.
“I totally believe if we are right there, we are on front foot, we can win some good balls and we hurt them, then they will be more nervous.”
Still, he warned against complacency. Big derbies flip like a counter-attack, and Parkhead can roar like a packed penalty box if Celtic find early rhythm.
He emphasized that this one goes beyond tactics — it’s mental, emotional, and historic.
Reflecting on a difficult period for supporters, Rohl added that Rangers are driving to restore pride, stack wins, and launch the new year like a powerful long-range strike.
He made it clear: the goal is to compete, stay disciplined, and seize the moment while respecting the magnitude of the rivalry.
As kick-off approaches, the message is steady: run hard, play brave, and embrace the noise. Because in games like this, one spark can flip everything and Rohl wants Rangers ready when the whistle blows.
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