The stakes couldn't be higher as Rangers prepare to face Celtic in Sunday's Old Firm derby—a match that carries far more weight than just bragging rights. While the Ibrox side's title hopes have all but faded, manager Danny Rohl insists his team's motivation comes from a deeper place: the desire to make their loyal supporters proud.
Rangers currently sit third in the table, seven points adrift of leaders Hearts after a heartbreaking 2-1 loss on Monday night. With only three games remaining, another trophyless season looms large. But Sunday's showdown offers a chance to reshape the narrative—and potentially play spoiler against their arch-rivals, who trail Hearts by just three points.
"I think it's a special game for us," Rohl said. "Nobody needs extra motivation to go into this game. We want to make our supporters and fans proud, and that means we have to deliver. For us, it's about more than just stopping someone else winning a title. It's about winning games and giving our fans a result they can celebrate."
The pressure has been mounting on the 37-year-old German boss, especially after back-to-back defeats that effectively ended Rangers' championship bid. Criticism from the stands has been intense, with some even speculating about a potential return to his homeland to manage Wolfsburg. But Rohl is adamant: he's staying put.
"Fully, fully committed," he said, addressing his recent talks with the board. "I feel the support every day. We've spoken extensively about what we want to change for the summer. I know I'm in the right place with the right people—people who share my motivation and positive energy to bring this club back to where it belongs."
For Rohl, the vision extends beyond a single victory or a fleeting title chase. "We're not looking for a one-hit wonder," he explained. "What we're building is consistency—a club that can win titles year after year. That's my job, that's our job, and that's why I'm looking forward to what's ahead."
As the Old Firm rivalry reignites, one thing is clear: for Rangers, Sunday isn't just about derailing Celtic's title bid. It's about restoring pride, proving their commitment, and showing fans that the future is brighter than the present suggests. And in a derby like this, that's motivation enough.