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Rangers have suffered a major setback in their pursuit of stability, as manager Danny Rohl has officially left Ibrox to join Red Bull Salzburg. The Glasgow club had intended to stand by the German coach despite a challenging season, but outside factors have forced an unexpected and abrupt end to his tenure.

The Klopp factor behind Rohl’s exit

In an unexpected twist, former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been credited as a major influence behind Rohl’s decision to leave Rangers. After stepping into a high-ranking role as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football following his departure from Anfield, Klopp is believed to have played a decisive role in persuading the 37-year-old to move to Austria.

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness disclosed that discussions between the two Germans had a significant impact on the move. Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness explained: “I’ve been saying all along that I thought Rangers were right to stand by Rohl in the James Tavernier situation. I thought he had the leadership qualities and was beginning to show how he wanted to build for the future. To me, it’s a big blow. I’d even heard rumours that Klopp had spoken to him about going to Salzburg.”

Wyness was referring to the fallout between Rohl and captain James Tavernier before the final game of the season. The veteran defender reportedly refused the manager’s decision to bench him for his farewell home match, which led to his removal from the squad and a public confrontation.

Life under pressure in Glasgow

Although Rohl had previously hinted at a long-term commitment to Rangers’ rebuilding project – having taken charge in October 2025 on a two-and-a-half-year contract and guiding the team to a third-place finish in the Scottish Premiership – the pull of the Red Bull organisation appears to have been too strong to resist. Red Bull Salzburg, who finished third in the Austrian Bundesliga last season, offer a familiar structure and a return to a culture closer to Rohl’s homeland.

Wyness suggested that the demanding nature of life in Glasgow might have contributed to the decision. “We’ve seen this before, where German managers often prefer to return closer to home when the opportunity arises, and I can understand that. Glasgow is not an easy place to settle, given the intensity of the Old Firm rivalry. Rohl may have found that difficult,” Wyness added.

Ibrox hierarchy caught by surprise

The Rangers board had reportedly planned to retain faith in Rohl despite a disappointing end to their domestic campaign. His sudden move to Salzburg has left the club’s leadership scrambling to appoint a successor quickly, hoping to prevent the disruption of their summer transfer plans.

Wyness underlined the instability this departure creates at a crucial moment. “It’s tough for Rangers because they had decided to stick with Rohl and move forward, but he’s decided to jump ship now. This is a time when Rangers needed continuity, and they haven’t got it. So whoever comes in next, there’s uncertainty,” the former CEO said. Hearts manager Derek McInnes has already emerged as a strong contender for the role.

Rohl’s tactical reputation and Salzburg’s revival plans

Rohl is widely regarded across Europe as one of the most promising young coaches in football, making him an ideal fit for a Red Bull Salzburg side eager to reclaim its domestic dominance. His tactical background – developed during his time as assistant to Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich and with the German national team – aligns perfectly with Klopp’s vision of strengthening the Red Bull group with top-tier coaching talent for a major rebuild.

This overhaul follows a disappointing season for Salzburg, who finished at their lowest league position since the start of the Red Bull era and failed to secure a Champions League berth.

Derek McInnes is now set to replace Rohl at Ibrox, reuniting with striker Lawrence Shankland after the duo led Hearts to the top of the Premiership until the final day of the campaign, when they were overtaken by Celtic under Martin O’Neill’s leadership.