Neil McCann makes Ange Postecoglou comparison in new Rangers verdict
Neil McCann has compared Rangers current situation with Celtic and their transition under Ange Postecoglou, as Michael Beale’s side continues to gel.
The BBC pundit believes the Light Blues have begun to improve after a steady start, but admitted that the best way for Michael Beale to integrate his new signings will be to settle on a consistent first XI.
Rangers managed to draw the first leg of the Europa League tie with Dutch giants PSV in what was a sign of how far the Ibrox club has come since their opening-day defeat to Kilmarnock, but McCann reckons there is still work to be done by Beale.
Discussing the state of play at Ibrox, McCann speaking on the BBC Scottish Football Podcast (Tuesday 22 August) said: “It is so difficult as a manager trying to find the right shape that is going to suit how you want to play. If you remember Ange Postecoglou over across the city, he didn’t change. He was like you adapt to us.
“I think Michael Beale would like to get to that stage with his Rangers side where he knows how he is playing, he has his first eleven inches mind, they are clicking, they are gelling, they are beating teams freely. I think that is the dream as a coach to find a formula that is going to work and make oppositions change to you, not to them.”
Identity is key
Every football manager wants their side to present a certain identity and although there are few comparisons to draw between Rangers and Celtic, what McCann said following the draw with PSV did make perfect sense.
For the Light Blues to overthrow their Old Firm rivals they are going to have to do what Celtic have done so well in the past few years, but even more successfully as Beale will need to put his imprint on what is a very new Gers squad.
That won’t be easy, with nine new arrivals this summer it is always going to take time for a squad to gel, but we are already seeing the very early stages of cohesion building at Ibrox with Rangers looking like a more complete side every time they step out on the pitch.
In Scotland Rangers will be forcing teams to adapt to them week-in-week-out, what will be the true test is how PSV approach the return leg in the Netherlands and how Celtic shape up against Beale’s side. It will be clear what sort of identity has been created at Ibrox by how Brendan Rodgers’ side approaches the first Old Firm clash.
In other Rangers news, there could be one more addition at Ibrox this summer should Rangers reach the Champions League