Rohl seeks ‘new momentum’ with Rangers

Rangers need a “new momentum”, says manager Danny Rohl after the “small setback” of Sunday’s 2-1 loss at Tynecastle.

The German’s first league defeat in nine outings leaves the Ibrox side 12 points adrift of the Premiership pacesetters with a game in hand.

However, Rohl is in no mood to give up on the title as we approach the halfway stage of the campaign.

“We looked at the seven games, which started with Hibs [on Monday] until the cup game [against Annan on 16 January] and we spoke about how we need a lot of points,” he said.

“After the Hearts game, of course, the feeling is disappointment.

“But we have to go forward again. It’s about us creating a new momentum, a new run.

“I think when you look back, I know football is not always easy, but if I asked you eight weeks ago if it is possible to have, at the end of December, a game where we can play again for maybe the title race? Then you would say, I’m not sure.

“It hurts so much at the moment that we had this small setback, but it’s for us to start winning games again.

“There are still 20 games to go, and if you do this, then you have a chance.”

Rohl revealed Rangers players will have Christmas Day off, explaining it would be the first week with four training sessions since he replaced Russell Martin in late October.

He pointed to a greater aggression from his players but stressed the need to improve in possession.