Rangers assistant coach Neil McCann has provided insight into the tactical shifts that have taken place at Ibrox since Barry Ferguson took charge following Philippe Clement’s departure just over a month ago.
Speaking to Sky Sports, McCann highlighted a noticeable shift in style and adaptability under Ferguson’s leadership, with a clear emphasis on attacking play and tactical flexibility.
“From the outside, I've had lots of people say they can see changes,” McCann said. “Maybe they see a different style of play in terms of how we go forward quickly. We try to penetrate quickly.”
Under Clement, Rangers followed a more rigid tactical approach, with a structured formation that rarely changed. However, McCann believes former Light Blues captain Ferguson has introduced a more fluid system, tailored to suit different opposition and in-game scenarios.
“I think there’s a change in adapting our tactics,” he explained. “Philippe and his coaching team had a certain way of playing and it was very structured in terms of the formation never really changed that much. The personnel would change within it, but I think the gaffer, Fergie, has shown that he's adaptable to different opposition.”
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Ferguson’s approach has seen Rangers deploy different formations, switching between a back three and a back four depending on the challenge at hand. McCann praised the players for their willingness to embrace these tactical tweaks despite limited time on the training ground.
“We've gone a three, we've played a four, we've changed within games, and I think the team have been really receptive to that,” he added.
“It's not easy to throw different shapes at them, particularly because we've not had a great deal of time on the training field. But they've been great and they've been open to the change. And what they've shown is they can change within a game, and that's really important.”
Ferguson’s tenure started with a dramatic 4-2 comeback win against Kilmarnock, a game that underlined the team’s ability to adapt and respond under pressure. The Rangers boss wasted no time making bold decisions, including an early tactical substitution involving young Clinton Nsiala that helped turn the game around.
With McCann among the coaching staff at Rangers, the club appear to be embracing a more dynamic, aggressive, and versatile style of play - one that could be crucial as they push forward for a strong end to the season.
Rangers have a Europa League quarter-final tie against Athletic Club to look forward to in April, and will still be striving to narrow Celtic's 13 point lead at the Scottish Premiership summit.
