Danny Rohl Unleashes Brutal Truth About Sheffield Wednesday Squad Ahead of Middlesbrough Clash
Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl has issued a scathing assessment of his squad, warning that unless major changes are made in the summer, the club could be staring down the barrel of a relegation battle next season.
Speaking ahead of today’s game against Middlesbrough, Rohl didn’t hold back in his criticism. After overseeing a dramatic escape from relegation last season and leading Wednesday to a promising first half of this campaign, recent form has taken a worrying turn. The Owls are now winless in five games and sit 15th in the Championship table following a 2-0 defeat to Stoke City on Good Friday.
“It’s a huge disappointment,” Rohl said post-match. “The last four or five results have been damaging the progress we’ve made over the last 18 months. Some players have shown they can’t handle the demands of the way I want us to play.”
Rohl, who has previously taken responsibility for the team’s dips in form, was more direct this time. “I’ve protected the players repeatedly, but the results don’t lie. These aren’t extraordinary demands—I’m asking for the basics. But we have a group here who, in many cases, just can’t deliver at this level under my style of football.”
The German boss suggested the team may have overperformed during the previous 18 months, noting their push for a playoff spot until matchday 40. “Maybe now we’re seeing just how far we had to push this group to get that far. I have some fantastic individuals, but overall, it’s clear we need a big summer to rebuild if we want to compete.”
Adding to the woes on the pitch have been issues behind the scenes. Last month, players weren’t paid on time, fueling protests from fans against owner Dejphon Chansiri. Wednesday haven’t won a home game since New Year’s Day, and frustration among supporters continues to mount.
Reflecting on the club’s recent struggles, Rohl said: “Since January, we’ve tried to block out the noise, but when there’s no positive energy on or off the pitch, the key moments just don’t fall for you. You can point to the payment issues as a turning point, but the reality is bigger than that.”
He concluded with a sobering statement: “We had a strong first half of the season, and even moments of quality in the second half. But now you’re seeing what Championship football really demands—and where we fall short.”