Rangers Manager Danny Rohl Champions Striker Youssef Chermiti Amidst Form Concerns
In a show of unwavering support, Rangers manager Danny Rohl has publicly declared his complete "belief and trust" in striker Youssef Chermiti, despite the 21-year-old Portuguese forward enduring a challenging debut season at Ibrox. The young talent, who arrived from Everton in the summer under previous boss Russell Martin for a reported £8 million, has struggled to consistently find the back of the net, netting just four goals in 28 appearances for the Glasgow giants.
A Difficult Start at Ibrox
Chermiti's tenure at Rangers has been a mixed bag. While he has shown flashes of promise, notably a brace in the crucial Old Firm derby victory against Celtic Park in early January, his goal-scoring form has since faltered. The striker has drawn a blank in the six matches following that impressive display, and a missed opportunity to extend Rangers' lead at Motherwell in midweek, where a chance to make it two was spurned before the opposition secured a late equaliser, has only amplified scrutiny.
Rohl's Philosophy: Belief and Trust
Speaking at his pre-match news conference ahead of Rangers' clash with Premiership leaders Hearts, Rohl was direct when questioned about how to unlock Chermiti's potential. "You give him belief and trust," the German tactician stated emphatically. "You can imagine for Youssef, it's tough for him. Not about the reaction [from fans], it's more about how he feels. He knows he wants to score. He wants a lot for the group."
Rohl acknowledged the fine margins at the top level of football, referencing a specific moment where a more composed touch could have led to a goal. "I wish that the next time he takes an extra touch and then he looks for the corner, he makes it. But it will come, I totally believe, because I see a lot of things in him." This sentiment underscores a belief in Chermiti's inherent quality and potential, rather than solely focusing on his current statistics.
Learning from Experience and Hard Work
The Rangers manager emphasized that improving a player's form is not just about tactical adjustments but also about fostering the right mental environment and encouraging hard work. "It's again the small moments and it comes not just when you think 'should I shoot or not?' No, it's about hard working again, trying your best, coming again in situations, and then we celebrate him." This approach highlights a holistic view of player development, encompassing both technical prowess and mental fortitude.
Recalling Past Success and Future Potential
Rohl drew upon Chermiti's impactful performance against Celtic as evidence of what the striker is capable of. "It was the Celtic game when he scored, he turned the game with fantastic goals, and he can do this again. I believe, totally." This reference to a recent, significant contribution serves as a powerful reminder to both the player and the fanbase of Chermiti's potential to be a difference-maker for Rangers.
The manager's resolute backing of Chermiti signals a commitment to nurturing talent and providing the necessary support for players to overcome periods of struggle. As Rangers continue their pursuit of silverware, the ability of their young striker to rediscover his scoring touch will undoubtedly be a key factor. Rohl's confidence, built on observation and a belief in the player's capabilities, suggests that Chermiti's challenging spell may well be a temporary setback on his journey at the Scottish club.
The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for Chermiti to demonstrate his ability to bounce back and contribute significantly to Rangers' ambitions for the remainder of the season. The manager's vocal support provides a strong foundation, but ultimately, it will be Chermiti's performances on the pitch that will speak the loudest.
