Rohl’s former No.2 says the Rangers boss’ focus on ‘asymmetrical’ tactics took some getting used to – but was unstoppable once it got going
10:23, 17 Nov 2025Updated 10:28, 17 Nov 2025
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Danny Rohl had a buzzword at Sheffield Wednesday that left everyone ‘scratching their heads’ to begin with, according to the Rangers boss’ former right-hand man.
But in time it proved to be a stroke of genius, according to the Rangers boss’ former right-hand man – and there are already signs it’s being firmly implemented at Ibrox.
The German has had a mixed start to life in Glasgow but despite disappointment in Europe and against Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, three successive league wins have offered fans some much-needed encouragement.
Rohl, who spent time as No.2 to Hansi Flick with Germany and Bayern Munich before breaking out on his own at Wednesday, was described to Record Sport as a ‘tactical freak’ by his best mate Beni Ehressman.
That appears to be a common theme as highly respected English coach Chris Powell, who served as his No.2 in Sheffield, admits that his ‘asymmetrical’ tactics took some getting used to.
It’s something that’s already been implemented at Rangers. Rohl has mixed up his shape but has at times opted for lopsided 3-5-2 system, featuring outright winger Djeidi Gassama down one flank and more conventional defender Jayden Meghoma on the other.
Formations aren’t the be-all and end-all for Rohl who has described them more as a loose, fluid framework than something that must rigidly be stuck to.
Powell admits all this took a bit of getting used to. But once it got going, he was blown away by how well it worked.
He told the Rangers Review: “For someone so young, his knowledge of the game, his knowledge of coaching and preparing teams is one of the best I’ve seen in all my years. He’s had wonderful experiences with Bayern Munich and Germany, but I think he’s very aware of what a group of players and what a team needs.
“I used to hear the word ‘asymmetrical’ every week in the coach’s room and see people scratching their heads, but I’m sure he’s described it to everyone that he wants that for the group.
“For people to say, ‘What formation are you playing?’ I think he quite likes that because it’s adaptable in-game. Full-backs might be sort of in a wide position where people say, ‘Oh, is he a wing-back? Is he a full-back?’
“It’s just in that moment, they have to be in that position for the team to create problems for the opposition.
“Danny is very good at that. He can be intense and he wants his team to be intense, to mirror him.
“He has a clear identity and knowledge of his team and he will plan accordingly. Everything he does is clear. There won’t be one player who doesn’t know what is required for any given game.
Former Sheffield Wednesday assistant manager Chris Powell(Image: Huddersfield Examiner)
“You could see that working with elite players at Germany and Bayern Munich that Danny has learnt a lot about organisation and how to structure a team at an elite level. Obviously, I’ve seen that filter down at Sheffield Wednesday and it will definitely happen at Glasgow Rangers.”
Rangers return from the international break with three successive home games – league clashes with Livingston and Falkirk either side of a box-office Europa League tie with Braga.