Neil McCann: Giovanni van Bronckhorst got selection wrong in Rangers defeat v Celtic
Former Rangers winger Neil McCann has questioned Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team selection after Rangers’ 4-0 Old Firm defeat against Celtic at Parkhead.
Three first-half goals from Ange Postecoglou’s side blew the Gers away before Jon McLaughlin gifted the Hoops a fourth goal in the 78th minute.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst opted to utilise Malik Tillman in a wide right position and left Scott Wright on the bench which was questioned by McCann.
McCann said on BBC Sportscence [18:48]: “I am surprised.
“There would’ve been videos available to the coaching staff which would’ve shown Celtic starting quick, you only had to look at what they did to Dundee United, they were relentless.
“If they’re not taking that on board then it’s a worry.
“I don’t think he got it right [tactics and selection].
“I don’t think Tillman is a wide-right player, I think he’s better in a number ten position.
“Scott Wright provides energy on the right but he was sat on the bench again.”
GVB will learn
The only positive that Rangers can take out of their defeat against Celtic is that van Bronckhorst should learn from the mistakes he clearly made and have his side more prepared for the next time they meet.
The first Old Firm match-up of the season was always going to be a high-octane affair and potentially including a player such as Wright from the start could’ve been a smarter decision by the Rangers boss.
The Light Blues needed to get a foothold in the game first before looking to really take the game to Celtic and potentially selecting players with energy and bite was the better way to go.
Tillman was experiencing his first taste of the Old Firm and was probably not the right player to start from the outset for van Bronckhorst.
What is now crucial is that Rangers don’t allow this result to influence their upcoming fixtures domestically.
The Light Blues get their Champions League campaign underway this week against Ajax and they will be looking to recreate some of their magical European form from the 2021/22 season.
A positive result in Europe is exactly what they need to build confidence heading into next weekend’s Scottish Premiership match against Aberdeen.
In other Rangers news, ex-SFA officials have reacted on Twitter to a controversial incident at Ibrox.