Danny Röhl may be taking the reins at Sheffield Wednesday as the team’s “number one” for the first time, but he is somewhat accustomed to the situation the Owls are in.
The German moved from the continent to Southampton in late 2018, who had fallen to the bottom of the Premier League in the first part of the 2018–19 season.
After Ralph Hasenhüttl was named the Saints’ manager that December, Röhl was brought in to help.
Prior to the pair commencing their jobs, the South Coast team had 11 games in the top division without a victory and was in the relegation zone.
Saints, who beat Arsenal in Hasenhüttl’s second game in charge and first at St. Mary’s, finished the season in 16th place, comfortably ahead of the team holding the final relegation spot by five points.
Following the appointment of Röhl, 34, who has now become the youngest coach in England’s top four divisions, Southampton’s exploits offer some perspective and optimism to Wednesdayites.
The Owls, who are off to their worst league season start ever, are now sitting atop the Championship standings with only three points from their first 11 games.
Prior to Röhl’s first game in charge at Watford on Saturday, they are really eight points outside of safety when goal differential is taken into consideration.
We appreciate Röhl’s life experiences and good vibes. Wednesday currently has the right to grab onto anything.
Today during practise at Middlewood, the former assistant coach for Germany and Bayern Munich gets to know the Owls players for the first time.
Southampton’s accomplishments provide Wednesdayites some perspective and optimism with the appointment of Röhl, 34, who has now overtaken Sir Alex Ferguson as the youngest manager in England’s top four divisions.
The Owls, who have had the worst league season start of any team, are now in first place in the Championship rankings with just three points after 11 games.
“The first game wasn’t very good since Cardiff was away and it was a challenging one. But after that, we just had a week to prepare, which was helpful since we beat Arsenal.
“This is good because I know what you can do in a week and it’s a comparable circumstance because of this experience.
“At the time of our victory in Southampton, Arsenal had not lost in 15 games. After that, you and everyone else are persuaded that this style of football is the best.
“Wins are helpful for development and improvement and it’s the reason why we had to start immediately – to take points.”
By the Solent, Röhl fell in love with English football. He is hopeful that the Steel City can reignite his ardour, and if he can replicate his early successes on the south shore, he will be indebted to a sizable fan following.
“I remember the first win against Arsenal and the second (memorable) one was against Tottenham,” he said of his playing memories at Saints. I also adored the fans; we had a wonderful bond and were prosperous at the time.
“Southampton was genuinely the finest moment of my life, and now I want to make Wednesday a new ‘best time’.
“I adore the locals and English football. It is unique and distinct from Germany, which is why I said yes and why I indicated that if given the option, I’d return to England. I intend to take the opportunity.
