Rangers suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss to Brann in Danny Röhl’s first match as head coach, leaving the Ibrox side pointless and last in the Europa League table after three games. Defensive errors and a lack of fight marked a sobering start for the German, who was appointed on Monday.
Defensive Woes Doom Rangers in Bergen
Brann capitalized on Rangers’ ongoing defensive frailties, with Emil Kornvig scoring the opener just before halftime after Bård Finne’s pass deflected off John Souttar past goalkeeper Jack Butland. Jacob Sørensen doubled the lead early in the second half, heading in a Finne free-kick unmarked due to Jayden Meghoma’s lapse. Noah Holm sealed the rout in the 79th minute, rifling in a Vetle Dragsnes cross after poor defending. Rangers managed just one shot on target, with Youssef Chermiti and Thelo Aasgaard squandering chances. Captain James Tavernier called it a “disgraceful performance,” lamenting the team’s lack of fight and ease for opponents.
Röhl Faces Uphill Battle After Sobering Start
Röhl, who prioritized wins over style, saw neither in Norway, inheriting a squad low on confidence and plagued by errors, as noted by pundits. His decision to start Chermiti, a £10m signing from Everton, and Nasser Djiga backfired, with the former missing a clear header. Despite early organization, Rangers’ 25-game streak without an away clean sheet continued. Röhl acknowledged Brann’s superiority, stating, “They were more aggressive, won more second balls. I saw where we are, and my job is to find solutions fast.” With tough fixtures ahead and qualification unlikely, focus shifts to Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash with Kilmarnock at Ibrox, where Röhl must rally his side.
