GERS AT THE
It could have been a tricky start but Gio’s got his side motoring with top results
THE winter break may have arrived at the worst possible time for Rangers given their formidable form but at least it’s a chance for their gaffer to catch his breath.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst was parachuted into the club when there was potential for chaos.
Results and performances were starting to look a bit iffy under Steven Gerrard while there was a fixture list ahead causing some concern.
But this softly spoken Dutchman has brought nothing but calm and he’s quietly plotted his way to an impressive unbeaten start, which may just have laid the foundations for a successful title defence.
Van Bronckhorst is not the kind of guy to go shouting from the rooftops but it’s no wonder he’s satisfied with the start he’s made to life as Rangers manager. It could have seemed ominous to some when he sat in the stands of Hampden watching the Light Blues implode in their Premier Sports Cup semi-final with Hibs.
At that time there were hazards on the horizon. Awkward trips to Almondvale, Easter Road and Tynecastle, European games with Sparta Prague and Lyon in France.
Rangers were meant to sign off the year with another couple of away games at Aberdeen and Celtic Park.
It says everything about van Bronckhorst’s start that Gers fans are either gutted or scathing these games are no longer taking place this week.
To come through this spell with eight wins and a draw would be impressive at any time. After a major upheaval, it’s pretty remarkable.
The guy in charge likes to keep it as low key as he can but even he admits it has been an encouraging – if frantic – first few weeks.
Van Bronckhorst said: “I’m very happy with the results since the day of my arrival.
“It’s been difficult for me to come into a season that was already well under way. For the players as well, it is never easy when there is a switch of manager during the season.
“We all reacted well to the information and the feedback we have given and, of course, results are important. We have been very good in our defensive work especially, we have a lot of clean sheets.
“And with the depth and quality of players in the squad, we will always create chances every game.
“I’m pleased with their work ethic, especially the defensive work.
“We’re more comfortable as a team going forward and playing as a defensive unit. That’s why we’ve had so many good results.
“Starting again on January 5, we have two weeks to prepare them for Aberdeen and all the games after.
“We have even more time to become better as a team.
“The development I’ve seen in the players has been very positive.”
Van Bronckhorst would never aim a snider at his predecessor, particularly one who finally brought the league
trophy back to Ibrox. But it’s clear he identified the areas of concern and has quickly fixed them.
The habit of conceding opening goals has gone.
Rangers have lost just two goals in nine games since the Dutchman marched in and it’s six clean sheets on the bounce in the Premiership.
He’s tightened up the backline, which has allowed the frontmen to do their thing.
Alfredo Morelos has been given a new lease of life, Joe Aribo has found another gear and fringe men such as Scott Wright are making an impact.
Wright tore strips off St Mirren on Sunday but his boss wasn’t surprised.
Van Bronckhorst said: “When you are playing against a tight defence you need players comfortable on the lines, as you want to use the width to stretch them. That’s why I started Scott. I thought Scott would bring us danger on the right side, especially against a very defensive unit.
“I’m looking at the performances of the players, not just in games but also in training. We have so many different qualities in players up from and in midfield, so we can adjust our tactics depending on the opponent.
“Scott did well so the message is clear – if you perform well, if you’re training well, you always have a chance to play in the games.”
Rangers were slick on Sunday and van Bronckhorst reminded his men the stands may have been empty but the performance needed to be full on.
He said: “We had a full house last week and it’s a big difference when there’s only 500. We have to make sure we are respecting the rules of the government and the SFA. Of course I want a full house but if that’s not the case, we need to keep up our performances, not just for the 500 in the stadium but all the fans globally watching on TV.”
At the end of a gruelling run, the spell under van Bronckhorst has fans convinced it is going to be a happy new year.
He added: “We got the three points, scored two goals and kept another clean sheet.
“We can go into the break and enjoy being with family and friends before starting fresh in the new year.”