European distraction fades for Rangers as mammoth month comes into focus
“I’m completely focused on the league now,” Rohl told the media just minutes after the final ball was kicked in Portugal.
“We have a mission and we have all the energy for it now.”
Perhaps this will be a blessing for the Rangers coach. They are performing superbly domestically – winning their last seven matches – and not being distracted by Europe could help them sharpen that focus.
Three of the next four games will truly test their skills. First up are Hibs at Easter Road on Sunday afternoon (14:00 GMT).
After the games against Kilmarnock and Queen’s Park, whose numbers are decreasing in the Scottish Cup, it is Motherwell at Fir Park on 11 February (20:00).
Four days later they welcome Hearts, who have beaten them twice this season, to Ibrox. Three of the top five, two of them are away. This is a big test of their credentials.
“We are now fully focused on the 15 matchdays in the league and this helps us have two normal weeks,” added Rohl. “This is the first time we can actually train and be fresh.
“We did a good job with the rotation. We have big matches in the next two and a half weeks and we need everyone. Some players will return, some will train today.
“We’ve kept a coach with them in Glasgow to make them as prepared as possible. We’ll be back on track on Sunday with full confidence.”
