Richard Dunne believes Stephen Bradley should take a leaf out of Alex Ferguson's book in order to make Shamrock Rovers more difficult to beat in Europe.
Rovers suffered a chastening 3-0 defeat away to Gent in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, a game in which Rovers were caught out numerous times defensively and easily could have lost by more than just three goals.
Speaking as a pundit on Virgin Media after the game, former Manchester City captain Dunne, explained why the Hoops are more susceptible to counter attacks in Europe than when they play in the domestic league.
READ MORE: Stephen Kenny reveals he hasn't spoken to Jurgen Klopp about Caoimhin Kelleher injury
"I think they're in a situation where domestically they dominate games," Dunne said.
"They control the tempo of the matches when they play in the League of Ireland."
"Then they go into Europe against sides that can hurt them when they lose the ball."
In Europe, the Tallaght side play against superior opposition. In Dunne's eyes, when Rovers lose the ball, the opposition is able to exploit the space much more quickly than a fellow League of Ireland side because they are a higher calibre of side.
"Because Rovers play such an expansive style of football, their players are spread out across the pitch and when they lose it, the opposition are already in place," Dunne explained.
"They know where to hit them and they know how to hurt them."
The Ireland legend then suggested that Stephen Bradley should look at and take inspiration from the way Alex Ferguson set up his team in Europe. The former Manchester United manager used a more defensive gameplan in Europe, and frequently packed the midfield in order to make United harder to break down.
Dunne Reckons Bradley should adapt and maybe play an extra body in midfield in a similar way to how Fergie would switch to a midfield three and play Ji Sung Park when they came up against better opponents.
"If you look back to Man United and Alex Ferguson's team, when they were struggling in Europe they'd bring Park in."
"They'd stick an extra midfielder in and block things up."
"I think Rovers maybe need to take a look at that and make themselves a bit more compact."
Rovers are currently bottom of their Conference League group having drawn with Djurgardens last week before last night's defeat. They're back in action in the FAI Cup semi-final against Derry City this weekend.
READ NEXT:
Roger Federer announces retirement from tennis after Laver Cup in London
Stephen Kenny reveals he hasn't spoken to Jurgen Klopp about Caoimhin Kelleher injury
Gardai arrest three people in relation to alleged match-fixing at League of Ireland games
Aaron Connolly back in Ireland 21s squad as history beckons for Jim Crawford's side
Limerick GAA slammed as 'tone-deaf' for selling €150 jersey to fund team holiday
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
