Regardless of the result, let’s be honest: those of us who believed that rescuing Sheffield Wednesday was beyond the capabilities of a novice manager were utterly mistaken.
There were a good number of us. Along with a sizable percentage of the fan community, you are well aware of the kind of boss I would have preferred. However, I believe that in the majority of these rookie-type appointments, we would have been correct. Danny Rohl has therefore proven to be both a noteworthy and extraordinary outlier.
It is reasonable to assume that no seasoned manager, even you know who, could have performed better under such severe circumstances, and that is how the young German should be regarded. I’m happy to put up my hands for that, but Wednesday ought to be looking at it from a longer perspective, in my opinion. It only seemed to make sense that way.
When Rohl took over as head coach in late October, the Owls had only three points and no victories from 11 games. He lost his first two matches, both away from home, as was to be expected, and most fans wisely vowed to support the 34-year-old head coach of the team in the event that relegation became imminent.
Since then, he has won 12 of the 31 league games, finishing midweek ahead of Norwich, and his victory percentage is just over 40%. That is quite amazing for a team in such dire circumstances. If the great escape is accomplished, I would argue that Rohl is a legitimate candidate for Manager of the Season.
It is ironic that two of the attributes he has contributed are the expertise of that one person, Mr. Warnock. both lucidity and personality. Man-management, to put it briefly. Once more, finding that in the youngest boss in the English professional game is quite remarkable. Of course, there’s more to it than that. Rohl has imparted cutting-edge coaching methods from his tenure with Bayern Munich, Southampton, and the German national team. However, there’s also a hint of a Jurgen Klopp’s personality and charisma in the way he’s so expressively led his team. His transparent attitude ensures that neither players nor supporters are in any doubt about his true feelings.
The chairman could be added to that list. Rohl seems to have a good understanding of the club, its operations, and its infrastructure based on his occasionally scathing public remarks. Is it possible for him to alter that? Not straight forward. But it’s evident that Rohl is not one to follow a political line in the midst of the suspense about whether he should stay or go. He feels in a powerful enough position to make observations that his numerous predecessors haven’t dared to go close, no matter how indirect. He is correct in saying that he has some influence. It’s professional in nature, not personal.
The risk that he and Wednesday took on one another has almost paid off, making it an absolute success. Now, Rohl is in a perfect position to grow in his career, whether it’s at Hillsborough or somewhere else. The big question is – can the club keep pace?
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