Rangers head coach Danny Röhl has clarified the tactical reasoning for excluding Emmanuel Fernandez from the starting lineup during the club’s recent 4-2 triumph over Dundee. The decision followed Fernandez’s return from international duty with Nigeria during the March window, a period in which the defender was integrated into the Super Eagles’ setup but remained on the bench for the Scottish Premiership fixture.
In the high-scoring win last weekend, Röhl elected to utilize the defensive partnership of John Souttar and Nasser Djiga, keeping Fernandez among the substitutes. Addressing the media in the buildup to Rangers’ upcoming encounter with Falkirk, the manager was questioned on whether the Nigerian international would be reinstated to the matchday squad for Sunday’s clash.
Röhl pointed to the physical toll of international travel and the burgeoning competition within the squad as the primary factors influencing his selection process.
“Manny, it was a decision from my side. Manny travelled a lot. It was his first experience with the national team,” Röhl explained. “We have John, as well as a centre-back, available. Derek is back in the training group, and we have a competition for this position. And it is good for us and Manny to push and not to be comfortable in a position. We won 4-2, and then my choice was not too wrong.”
The manager’s comments suggest a focus on maintaining high standards of internal rivalry for starting berths. With other defensive options returning to full fitness and the team coming off a successful result, Fernandez faces a competitive battle to regain his spot in the heart of the Rangers defense as the season progresses.
