There were concerns that Rangers might have seriously disrupted Sturm Graz’s Austrian Bundesliga title ambitions when midfielder Tochi Chukwuani completed a £4 million move to Ibrox during the January transfer window.
However, the situation has developed quite differently. While Rangers’ own push has begun to stutter, Sturm Graz have continued to build momentum in Austria. Questions are now beginning to emerge around Danny Rohl after a run of just one victory in their last five matches.
Meanwhile, Chukwuani’s former club have held firm at the summit of the Austrian Bundesliga, much to the satisfaction of head coach Fabio Ingolitsch.
Sturm Graz adapt after Chukwuani exit
Speaking about the situation, Ingolitsch admitted that the rapid changes within the squad caught him slightly off guard after he took over the role.
“When I accepted the job, I knew that the club wanted to undergo a significant transformation and that several changes would be required,” he explained. “What I didn’t expect was for those changes – including the departure of Chukwuani and a few other important players – to happen so quickly.”
Despite the unexpected shake-up, the coach embraced the challenge. He highlighted that his experience developing players and reshaping teams at previous clubs played a key role in his appointment.
Ryan Fosso was brought in from Fortuna Sittard to fill the void left in midfield following Chukwuani’s departure. The new arrival has made a promising start, helping Sturm Graz collect 10 points from their last five matches.
Although it hasn’t been a flawless run, the early signs are encouraging. Sturm Graz remain top of the table, narrowly ahead of rivals Red Bull Salzburg and LASK Linz as the title race intensifies.
The managerial transition earlier in the season also added to the upheaval. Ingolitsch replaced Jurgen Saumel in December and has been tasked with guiding the club through the final stretch of the campaign.
Reflecting on the early days of his tenure in an interview with 90Minuten, Ingolitsch admitted he had not expected to lose Chukwuani so soon after arriving.
“It was important that the transfer window closed with clarity,” he said. “Once we knew where we stood, we could focus on reorganising the squad and thinking about the long-term direction of the team.”
He added that his staff are trying to strike the right balance between maintaining immediate results and building a more sustainable project for the future.
Pressure building for Rohl at Rangers
Back in Scotland, the spotlight has begun to turn toward Rohl. Rangers’ inconsistent form has raised questions about the direction of the team, particularly following their Scottish Cup defeat to Celtic at Ibrox.
Their upcoming trip to face St Mirren now carries added importance. The Paisley club recently lost their manager Stephen Robinson, leaving an interim coaching team in charge, which many believe presents Rangers with an opportunity to regain momentum.
In terms of team news, Connor Barron is racing to prove his fitness following injury, while Rohl has already confirmed that Mohamed Diomande will miss the match.
Chukwuani, meanwhile, is expected to return to the starting lineup after his surprising omission from the XI during last weekend’s defeat against Celtic.
Former Rangers striker Rory Loy questioned that decision during an appearance on the BBC’s Scottish Football podcast.
“I think people will ask serious questions about how Rangers failed to beat Celtic considering the possession and control they had in the match,” Loy said.
“In my opinion, Tochi Chukwuani should have started. When he came on, he looked like Rangers’ most composed player – someone willing to take the ball, slow things down, and bring a bit of calm to the midfield.”
For now, Loy stopped short of saying Rohl’s position is under immediate threat, but he acknowledged how quickly situations can change in football.
“At the moment I wouldn’t say his job is on the line,” he added. “But in this game, things can turn very quickly.”
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