Van Bronckhorst hails wingers in tactical change from Rangers predecessor, Steven Gerrard
Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed the vital tactical change he made from Rangers’ predecessor Steven Gerrard.
The new man in charge at the Ibrox has made a scintillating start, outlining how his wingers have allowed him to be unbeaten so far in his first eight games in charge.
Van Bronckhorst’s side moved seven points clear of title challengers Celtic after a narrow victory over Dundee United.
Talking on Dutch chat show, Rondo, as per the Daily Record, the Gers boss admitted he is thrilled with life so far at Rangers with wingers such as Scott Wright, Ryan Kent and Fashion Sakala shining on the flanks.
He said: “It’s gone really well for me at Rangers. I am very happy with it, especially for the players and the fans.
“Of course, it was hard for the players due to the transition of a new manager because Steven Gerrard went to Aston Villa and there were new coaches for the group too.
“They have handled it well and I am very pleased about it. There is fun and energy around the squad and the results have been going well too.
“Gerrard did an excellent job, but I am a manager with a different system. I try to play down the flanks with wingers and a No.10.
“So, I would say the biggest change since I came in is that we have started playing with out-and-out wingers because we have the players with those qualities to do that.
“And I have to say that so far it has worked out very well.”
Transition
The Rangers players have transitioned from one manager to the other excellently. Especially if you take into account the contrasting styles between Gerrard and Van Bronckhorst.
There has been no drop off in form whatsoever which is impressive with a complete rebuild of the manager and his backroom staff. Rangers have maybe even improved under Van Bronckhorst, something many Gers fans did not expect following the departure of influential Gerrard.
Gerrard emulated Jurgen Klopp’s 4-3-3 formation and played very intense, high pressing football. Whereas Van Bronckhorst likes to keep more possession of the ball and use quick transitions to dismantle his opponents.
The Dutchman’s reliance on his wingers is clear to see with Ryan Kent and Fashion Sakala notching 12 goal involvements between them in a combined 24 appearances for the Bears.
Something Van Bronckhorst will look to build on as he looks to win back-to-back titles for Rangers.
In other Rangers news, Jim White moots Rangers reaction after Celtic win Scottish League Cup.