Danny Rohl’s blueprint for Rangers Old Firm derby victory revealed in latest Celtic defeat
Rangers have instilled belief that they can get something from this season after all.
Danny Rohl coached Rangers to a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday, in what was his first victory as Gers boss, as Youssef Chermiti scored his first goal for the Bears.
The new head coach enjoyed his first experience as boss at Ibrox, and Rohl made big changes to Rangers’ side, playing an unexpected 3-5-2 formation.
Rangers dominated the game, and after the conclusion of the Scottish Premiership’s round of nine fixtures, they have closed the gap to five points between themselves and Celtic.
Ahead of the Old Firm derby taking place in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final on 2 November, Rohl has been given the perfect blueprint to progress to the final.
Hearts punished Celtic without possession
Russell Martin’s horrific reign as Rangers boss crushed any hopes of the Gers actually achieving something this season. The only thing Martin has left for Rohl to pick up is the Premier Sports Cup clash against Celtic.
Hearts beat Celtic 3-1 to much of the Bears’ delight on Sunday, despite the former now looking like favourites to claim the league title.
Now, Hearts’ performance has gifted Rohl a huge insight into how he can tactically outsmart Celtic for a Rangers victory in the tie.
| Team | Possession | Shots | Passes | Tackles | Yellow cards | Crosses |
| Hearts | 35% | 12 | 284 | 15 | 4 | 7/20 |
| Celtic | 65% | 8 | 532 | 13 | 1 | 3/22 |
Hearts were at home against Celtic, yet surrendered lots of the ball in the game as they only recorded 35 per cent possession.
Despite seeing a lack of the ball, Hearts used fast transitions to turn Celtic over quickly, getting shots off whenever they could, as their aggressiveness could be something Rohl will look for Rangers to replicate on Sunday.
Rohl will need to drastically alter Rangers’ style of play for the best chance of beating Celtic, as the Bears’ 74 per cent possession against Kilmarnock will not be as effective in the Old Firm derby.
Changes will need to be made, but from what Rohl has already shown, there’s a high possibility that he will make the necessary adjustments.
Danny Rohl will have no problem changing Rangers’ style vs Celtic
In his first game as Gers boss, Rohl opted to use a 4-2-3-1 formation as Rangers lost 3-0 to Brann.
He made some big calls in the Bears’ starting lineup against Kilmarnock on Sunday, and there’s no doubt he will do the same against Celtic.
Other formations Rohl used at Sheffield Wednesday:
- 4-4-2
- 5-4-1
- 3-4-3
Rohl isn’t afraid to shake things up, and his adaptability is arguably one of his best traits, and a big reason why he may stay at Ibrox for so long.
Come Sunday, it should be no surprise if Rohl shifts Rangers’ style against Celtic, but the blueprint is already in front of him to use, as Gers may still see silverware this campaign.
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