Rangers are on a 10-game unbeaten run in the league, and following last weekend’s 4-2 victory over Hearts, the head coach says the players returned to training hungry and motivated.
Speaking to the press at this morning’s pre-match press conference, he said: “In general, we have to go from game to game, but it was a good statement last week.
“Straight after the game, the next day training was good. Even the players who didn’t play, they were very motivated and hungry to train. We have to continue, and we have to keep our intensity.
“It is one of the first weeks since I have been here that we have had a normal week. It is a different rhythm, but it is important we keep our intensity in the training, but also to give them a little bit of rest for the mindset, and we did that.
“We are well prepared for Sunday, but we know in these games we have to do our homework, and we have to take the win; otherwise, it makes no sense to win the game before.”
With Livingston currently bottom of the Scottish Premiership, Röhl says his squad will be taking nothing for granted as they head to West Lothian. He continued: “It is now about these games where you have to win and take the three points; this is crucial. If you want, you can compare to a similar situation with Wolves and Arsenal last weekend.
“In these games, the teams who are further down maybe have not so much to lose against us, and they try everything. It is very important that we go there serious.
“The training session yesterday was 100 per cent focused on the next action, and it was great to see. Nobody is lazy, everybody wants to be part of the group and to have the challenge in the starting XI and the challenge to be in the squad, and it helps massively.”
The head coach provided an injury update as he admitted there will likely be changes with minor injuries picked up in the squad. He explained: “We have to change some players, we have small injuries, but I cannot go into too much detail today.
“One player will be out for two or three weeks, and the other is doubtful for Sunday. We have to make a decision, but let’s see, there could be two or three changes.
With John Souttar signing a contract extension with the club yesterday, Röhl continued: “I think it is important that we have leaders and to continue with them. John did a good job so far, not just on the pitch but also off the pitch; he leads the group.
“For me, it is important to have the core together to build up something around, and I am very happy that we continue that way.”
The head coach was also asked about Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi. He continued: “Youssef always tries to score, he comes in fantastic situations, and now for me it is about being clinical.
“Against Hearts, he had a fantastic day; it was really outstanding. For Ryan, you see it in training, I said to him he is a little bit like Thomas Müller, sometimes you don’t know how, but he is doing the right things.
“I think this is great to play with two strikers in front, helps as well. It will not always be the shape, but I think it was very good. We had our wingers in good position as well. Ryan is very present against the ball, very sharp and with good intensity.
"He wins a lot of balls and gives us a good structure in the box. He is always in the right moments, and it gives a little bit more time for the other striker, and I think this is the advantage of having two strikers in front.”
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