Rohl defends omitting Tavernier from line-up.
Danny Rohl defends his decision to refuse departing Rangers captain James Tavernier a farewell start at Ibrox, emphasising that his job is always about what is best for his club.
The 34-year-old full-back did arrive before start to receive a commemorative shield from club great John Greig, but subsequently stated he was “deeply hurt and let down”
Tavernier also called the incident the “most difficult and emotional of my career for both myself and my family.”
Rohl stated that he was “very transparent” with the defender, who is departing after 11 years on free contract. “My job is to make decisions, who starts,” he added. “There’s a huge difference between emotional decisions and decisions with emotions.”
“I was clear and open and it was also my wish and suggestion that he gets a proper goodbye on Wednesday,” Rohl added.
“But, at the time, I always told him, ‘it could be you start, it could be you come off the bench.'”
“This isn’t the point.” If you ask me what was on my mind for this day, it was first to take three points, win a game, see Tav and his family walk in, accept the plaque he deserved, stroll around the stadium and then have some minutes on the pitch.
“Whether as a starter or a substitute, this was for me. I made a recommendation to him when he asked if I was a starter. I told him that if nothing changes overnight, he wouldn’t start, but he’d still get minutes on the pitch.
“When he asked if I was a starter, I replied, ‘If nothing changes overnight, you will not start, but you will get your minutes on the pitch.'”
“My final decision, and this is why I said ‘if’, is always on match day, three hours before the game. We are still a club to play for results and wins, and I made the best decision for the team in this moment.”
“I had always intended to say farewell to him. I’ve always respected Tav; we had wonderful communication, and I was honest with him in this circumstance as well.
Tavernier’s social media post has received support from both former and current Rangers players, although Rohl downplayed the idea of discontent in the dressing room.
“It shows how strong the relationship is between the players,” he stated. “I think this is always wonderful. I don’t take it personally, and if there’s a like or a repost, that’s more important.”Tavernier’s social media post has received support from past and present Rangers players but Rohl dismissed the notion of dissent in the dressing room.
“It shows how strong the relationship is between the players,” he said. “I think this is always great. I do not take it personally, and if there’s a like or repost, then it’s more about that.”
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