Danny Rohl travelled to Qatar with aspirations of leading Germany to World Cup glory and suffered the ignominy of an early exit. Next summer, a premature return home will be for very different reasons for the Rangers head coach.
Rohl was assistant manager to Hansi Flick for the tournament three years ago. Die Mannschaft naturally had dreams of adding to their four crowns but an opening defeat to Japan was the beginning of the end. Germany were held by Spain and a 4-2 win over Costa Rica saw them finish third in Group E.
It was an experience that Rohl still savours, despite the obvious disappointment. This time around, he will be a manager in his own right when the biggest tournament in the game takes centre stage in America, Canada and Mexico. Rohl could be there once again.
His preparations for his first full campaign at Ibrox will be at the forefront of his mind. In that regard, the World Cup offers another opportunity for the 36-year-old.
“I'm looking forward to the World Cup and maybe I can go there for a couple of days,” Rohl said. "I had the great opportunity last year with the Euros where I worked for the TV.
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"I don't know yet if this will happen again, but it was great to be part of some games. Maybe there’s a chance I could do it again, but for me it's important to focus on the league.
“But it’s also great for Rangers. You can look at so many players from all over the world. But let's see.
“I think it will be the first week because then we start with our pre-season. It's about timing. But if you have the chance and you can be a part of the World Cup, then it's great.”
Rohl was finalising his preparations for the Premiership fixture with Kilmarnock on Friday night as the draw for the group stages was made. Group E awaits Germany once again, with Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador providing the opposition at the first hurdle.
Scotland, of course, head across the Atlantic with very different targets and Brazil, Morocco and Haiti lying in wait. His homeland will also be his priority. Rohl will have a soft spot for the nation that he now calls home from home.
“I have felt this excitement building here,” Rohl said. “I spoke before, I watched the Denmark game with my staff, this memorable game.
“When they celebrate and stand on the tables, you see what it means. I think Scotland have a challenge ahead, but I think they can take a lot from being in the underdogs.
“I think this is great, I think it suits. When you see that three can qualify for the next round then, it's on.
“It's possible to be one of the best third positions. Why not? Hopefully we have a great summer. It's always special when you work in a country that’s going to be a part of the World Cup.”
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