If anyone had offered Rangers fans two consecutive wins by a two-goal cushion during the semi-final post mortem, the proverbial hand would have been bitten off.
Immense credit goes to the management team in their quiet and calm approach to getting the squad back on track following the calamitous Hampden showing. Rome hasn’t been rebuilt in a week, but some minor tweaks and the freshness of a new coaching staff has given the team a renewed sense of purpose.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst hasn’t taken a sledgehammer to Gerrard’s blueprint, but during the two games his style has gently brushed the previous regime’s renowned tactical rigidity out the door, with the two games showing a different approach to mirror the setup required for the specific opponents.
When Sparta Prague arrived at Ibrox, it was bizarre to not see the flat midfield three that was the calling card of Rangers in Europe throughout Gerrard’s admittedly very successful Europa League campaigns. A deep-sitting two of Kamara and Davis worked very well with Glen’s defensive work lending itself well to his new role.
Three days later at Livingston and Gio adapted the side to reflect the change in circumstances. Kamara retained the no.6 role, one he has rarely filled for Rangers before but looked comfortable in. The play moved quickly through him and it’s likely he may be the option for that role when Davis needs to be rested.
Where Rangers can truly reap the rewards of Gio’s changes is in the attacking midfield roles. So many of the team’s most talented players occupy those positions and their input will regularly be the difference.
The biggest sign of change in the transition between Gerrard to Gio, is allowing two midfielders the licence to roam forward today. Aribo occupied a typical no.10 role, but he was regularly supplied with supporting runs from Arfield, with none better than his trademark burst for the opening goal.
Even at Gerrard’s most attacking, he never allowed two from the midfield to burst forward in the way Aribo and Arfield did in Livingston. It was possibly a sign of things to come that this even became more prominent at the start of the second half. Many managers would have looked to solidify the midfield to retain a one goal lead, whereas van Bronckhorst increased the pressure in order to find the third goal and wasn’t willing to change until it finally arrived in the 78th minute.
In the wake of Gerrard’s departure, fans begged a new manager to unleash Morelos in a more traditional no.9 striker. While Gio looks keen to reignite the fire in Morelos’s belly, the big change looks likely to be taking place in the midfield.
It would be folly to have two breaking forward to support Morelos in every game, but the Sparta Prague game gave a glimpse that Gio will know when it’s not appropriate. Another may come at Easter Road on Wednesday, the new management team have a game against Hibs fresh in the memory to know a sitting two of Kamara and Davis may make sense.
Even in games where two deeper midfielders are required, the idea of a central no.10 being allowed to roam free is what’s exciting me. Even in games where Gerrard gave one of the midfielders freedom to move forward, they still never had the role Aribo has in the past two games. The Nigerian international looks like he is finally in his natural position after years of dropping between centre midfield and playing off the right of a striker. His goal against Livingston was a beauty and the shift in role should only further his Player of the Year credentials.
READ MORE: Detailed Rangers player ratings as Glen Kamara stands out in Rolls-Royce performance
A lot remains unknown about Gio’s playing style, he is still fresh into the role. However, his time at Feyenoord and his first two games at Rangers suggest he will want a no.10 to stay close to the striker. Aribo is the first choice to fill the role, but the backup options are attractive. Hagi could easily move across, Arfield showed today he’s still fit for the role, and Bacuna is still to show his full potential at the club, but small flashes have shown he could slot perfectly into the no.10 role. Most of these players had to adapt to fit the previous regime’s tactics, but they may now find a home in the space behind the striker. Rangers fans have had some terrific contributions from Aribo, but his best may still be to come.
It’s too early to know for sure what the future holds, but the early signs show a change in management may have arrived at the perfect time. The December run of tricky challenges will arrive quickly and the support awaits and welcomes what Gio brings to the table next.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here