By Lee Clark
Giovanni Van Bronckhorst paid tribute to his Rangers players, as they came roaring back from the weekend’s semi-final disappointment to qualify for the Knock-out stages of the Europa League for the third season in a row, to give the new Boss the perfect start to his tenure as Manager. Having faced fierce criticism from the support and from within their own dressing room, the players had serious questions to answer and they rose to the occasion in a well-deserved 2-0 win over Sparta Prague at Ibrox.
‘I’m very proud of the team and how they reacted after Sunday’, said Van Bronckhorst, ‘We were very good, especially in the first half where we created a lot of chances. Despite only having two training sessions they followed the game plan really well.’
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The latter comment will be music to Rangers fans’ ears. A season that had promised so much, looked set to unravel, in a manic fortnight that saw the departure of Steven Gerrard and his entire backroom team, along with a Hibs Horror Show and some serious soul searching amongst the Rangers players. This game already had a ‘make-or-break’ feel to it and there was a nervous tension in the stands as the match kicked off in front of a near capacity crowd. Despite their being no real surprises in personnel, it was clear within a few minutes however, that this was a very different animal to the team that had limped away feeling sorry for itself, in a pathetic showing at Hampden only five days ago.
Rangers came roaring out the traps and with the ‘tricks are for the circus’ taunt from new coach Roy Makaay ringing in their ears, Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo, ably assisted by Ianis Hagi, went flying towards the opposition goal in the opening minutes. Aribo clipped the bar in one such move and by the time the outstanding Alfredo Morelos opened the scoring Rangers had Ibrox absolutely rocking.
‘It hasn’t been easy, coming back from a loss. We made some changes in the system, particularly in the way we pressed and how we used the ball. They handled it really well and executed the game plan. The energy in the training sessions has been really good and I think you seen I today from the first minute.’ Van Bronckhorst added.
Rangers were unlucky not to score more in that opening period and, with Aribo and Morelos in particular playing visibly further up the pitch you would be forgiven for thinking their formation was that of a 4-2-4 , such was the ‘high press’ GVB had instructed his troops to carry out. Asked if this was something the ‘Gers legions could expect to see more of from Morelos, Van Bronckhorst said:
‘I like him to be sharp, I like him to be in the box. When we create chances, we need the bodies in there. But it’s not just him, tonight Aribo was there, Kent was there, Hagi was there. We want to have a clear way of playing and create as many chances as possible.’
Of course, Rangers didn’t have it all their own way. Chances came and went, both before and after Morelos nodded home his second goal of the night, a second that was crucial in securing qualification from the group in second place, behind runaway winners Lyon. It could all have turned a little sour had it not been for the heroics of Borna Barasic, with two fantastic blocks in the first half before a quite incredible double save from veteran ‘keeper Allan McGregor in the closing stages of the game. It’s happened so many times, the Rangers fans have become accustomed to huge moments from McGregor and he delivered once again, after the defence, largely solid all night, uncharacteristically went to sleep as he saved brilliantly down to his right and then, somehow kept the rebound out with his left foot, as he dived the opposite way. For many fans though the contribution of Barasic will be particularly pleasing, along with Calvin Bassey who was once again asked to deputise in the unfamiliar centre back position. Sure, they had a couple of shaky moments and McGregor has pulled them out of a hole at the end but, even in these VERY early days of GVB, Barasic seems to have a verve and energy about him, that had looked all but gone this season. Van Bronckhorst was keen to steer praise away from individuals however and both he and Bassey talked of the importance of ‘defending from the front’
‘Of course, it’s hugely important because if they score, we don’t go through tonight but, it was a really good team performance and I’m proud of my players. Morelos gets the goals, the performance of the midfield players, the back four were excellent and at that right moment McGregor comes up with the saves’.
Just as his playing career at Rangers begun, Van Bronckhorst has got off to a flier in a crucial European game. 23 years ago Gio scored the equaliser as he inspired his team to victory against Shelbourne, after the light blues had taken a battering in the first half and found themselves 3-0 down. Tonight he was charged with picking up a squad that had also been battered, only this time, it from the side-lines and he did so with a relish and hunger that was matched by his players.
‘It was incredible. It’s very special to be back at the club. I had wonderful European nights and memories of being here as a player but walking out as Manager really was something special and I enjoyed every moment of it!’
