Rangers news: Pundit salutes ‘brilliant’ Giovanni van Bronckhorst after what he’s seen
Giovanni van Bronckhorst used “every ounce” of his “intelligence and experience” as Rangers defeated European giants Borussia Dortmund, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, hailed the 47-year-old’s “knowhow” after his “brilliant” switch to a five-man defence.
Rangers will face Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League Round of 16 after coming through a two-legged playoff against Dortmund to win 6-4 on aggregate on Thursday (24 February).
With the Germans 2-1 up in the second leg, Van Bronckhorst elected to introduce Leon Balogun for Borna Barisic as part of a switch to a five-man defence.
Just 10 minutes later the change paid dividends as James Tavernier netted his second goal in an eventual 2-2 draw at Ibrox.
Whelan insisted the Gers deserve their place in the next round.
“Changing the system like that showed the knowhow and intelligence of a manager, but also an ex-player,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“He knew exactly what he had to do on the night, he knew it was going to be a tough task.
“You’ve got to deal with the pressure knowing Dortmund are going to throw everything at you. They stood strong, even after the two goals went in.
“They showed real character and some quality football and really pushed Dortmund all the way – and that’s what you’ve got to do in these games, really stretch the opposition defence.
“Van Bronckhorst used every ounce of his intelligence and experience and it worked an absolute treat – it was brilliant.
“They had an answer for everything Dortmund threw at them and I think they deserved to go through over two legs.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire claims Rangers board plan is “crystal clear” after seven-figure confirmation.