Danny Rohl insists Rangers played “men’s football” to beat managerless Aberdeen 2-0 for the second time this week.
The Gers overcame interim boss Peter Leven’s side 2-0 at Ibrox on Tuesday night and they took the lead at Pittodrie in atrocious conditions when midfielder Thelo Aasgaard volleyed in midway through the first half, for his third goal in five games.
Ibrox defender Emmanuel Fernandez had the ball in the Dons net in the 28th minute only for the goal to be controversially chalked off for using his arm in the aerial duel with keeper Dimitar Mitov, but a James Tavernier penalty in the 74th minute moved Rangers back within three points of William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts having played a game more.
Rohl said: “Big, big pride in my group, to come to a really tough place. We showed again different faces, which is what we need.
“We played good men’s football, we were ready in the duels, second balls.
“We understood when to play in behind, then we understand also to keep the ball in the right areas.
“The result was enjoyable, of course, it’s great to see.
“Fully deserved from my point, we scored in the right moment. Then in the second half we missed some good opportunities to make it 2-0 or 3-0, and then finally (won) 2-0.
“We were really focused until the end and it is outstanding what we have done, five wins in a row.
“Now we take a short break, make a serious Scottish Cup game (against Annan) and then we have to go again.”
Before the game the Ibrox club confirmed Danish midfielder Tochi Chukwuani’s move from Sturm Graz on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
The 22-year-old is still waiting on international clearance and a work permit but Rohl said: “I am very happy. I think we worked hard in the last couple of days to make this deal.
“Big thank you to the board, to Andrew (Cavenagh, chairman). At the moment the communication is great.
“Tochi will bring a good physical side. Big experience also in Europe.
“But it is also very important to understand, we have also a group today on the pitch. They worked really hard.
“They also deserve big, big credit. And this is exactly what we need. We need the challenge in some positions.
“But we have also to understand our development in the last 10-12 weeks. It is outstanding from some players.
“And again, look to Thelo. He scored again and he is the next one who goes in the right direction. And I was really pleased to see it.”
After two defeats out of two after taking over from the departed Jimmy Thelin, first team coach Leven was candid about the Dons’ form after six defeats in the last seven matches.
He said: “Yeah, it’s not good enough, especially for a club this size and what we want to achieve this season.
“There’s some nice things I can pick out, but again overall it’s just not good enough.
“But again, I can only do so much, they’ve got to step up as well.”
