Rohl on Tavernier controversy, losing run & Rangers pressure

Danny Rohl has been speaking to the media before Rangers visit Falkirk for their final game of the season on Saturday.

Here are the key points:

• Rohl stands by his decision not to start departing skipper James Tavernier against Hibs on Wednesday, saying he had to make the decision not through emotion but what was "best for the team and the club."
• It was his wish to give Tavernier a "proper send-off", but the Rangers boss says he was "very clear and open to him" and told the 34-year-old he wouldn't be starting "unless the situation [with his fitness] changed overnight".
• He adds: "If you ask me what was in my head for this day, it was first to take three points, win a game, see Tav with his family walking in, take the plaque which he deserved, make a walk around the stadium and then finally get some minutes on the pitch. If it's a starter or sub, this was for me. In the case of how I spoke with him, clearly, I gave him a suggestion."
• Rohl confirmed Tavernier misses out on Saturday after taking the delayed injection on his ankle injury - which means he has played his last game for Rangers.
• He insists his relationship with Tavernier has been good throughout the season: "There was never a problem with him, because I always try to have the best relationship to my captain, because he's the guy who leads the group."
• On support for Tavernier's social media post from present and past players, Rohl says: "I think in general it showed how strong the relationship is between the players. I think this is always great. I do not take it personal."
• Rangers have lost four games in a row for the first time in 43 years, but Rohl insists he'll still have the backing of the owners irrespective of the result at Falkirk. He adds: "We spoke about everything like we did always in the last couple of weeks, the decisions that maybe have to be made this summer."
• Asked if he feels under pressure pressure amid the losing run and Tavernier controversy, Rohl says: "If you lose four games, it's normal that you get a little bit more critical feedback." He insists he will never "run away" and it is about "developing resilience, show leadership".
• On VAR, Rohl says the most important thing for the new season is "that we have consistency with decision-making on the pitch".
• As well as Tavernier, Nicolas Raskin and Ryan Naderi are out of Saturday's game and Dujon Sterling is unlikely to be risked on the artificial pitch.

[BBC]