- It’s win or bust for Rangers and Danny Rohl against Hearts on Monday
- The Gers made too many tactical errors against Motherwell last weekend
- We’ve highlighted three things that must change at Tynecastle
Danny Rohl must make some tactical changes if Rangers are to stay in the SPFL title race.
The Gers face table-toppers Hearts after a defeat to Motherwell, which put a major dent in their dreams of title 56.
The outcome is simple: go to Hearts and win to stay in the race, or lose and the season is over before Celtic away next week.
There were too many tactical errors in the game against Motherwell, with Rangers being run-ragged in the midfield.
A trip to face Hearts at Tynecastle is never a get-right game; it is a physical, high-pressure examination of character and coaching.
Rohl’s signature 4-2-2-2 was exposed last weekend, but with a four-point gap, the manager can’t be a tactical idealist.
Here are three things that need changing ahead of the Tynecastle showdown.
Rohl must shift formations.
The primary tweak Danny Rohl must implement is a move away from his rigid 4-2-2-2 in favour of a more balanced 4-2-3-1.
While the 4-2-2-2 provides verticality, it frequently leaves a massive space in the centre of the pitch during transitions.
At a tight, aggressive ground like Tynecastle, Hearts will thrive on those vacated spaces.
By shifting to a 4-2-3-1, Rohl introduces a dedicated No. 10 to act as the creative heartbeat.
I previously highlighted that Mo Diomande should get the nod in the number 10 role at Hearts.
In the game against Motherwell, he provided the energy that the Ibrox faithful craved and earned himself an assist.
Diomande makes 85% of his passes and can effectively bridge the gap between defence and attack.
His 45 minutes last weekend warrant him a starting place in the 10 at Tynecastle.
Connor Barron to provide the glue.
We highlighted before the game against Motherwell that Connor Barron should’ve started to nullify the midfield threat.
Against the threats that Hearts possess in midfield, especially Claudio Braga in the 10, Barron must replace Tochi Chukwuani.
Rangers legend Kevin Thomson also highlighted that Barron must start against Hearts.
“I think a Connor Baron would play that role better.
“I think it would then take the shackles off Nico Raskin and allow him to go and join in and run.”
As Thomson highlighted, the tweak would allow Barron to mark Braga while Raskin can go and affect the game offensively.
Raskin is better when he can free-roam in the midfield and occupy spaces to create and score goals.
The Gers need a victory, and Raskin having the license to roam majorly increases their attacking output.
Restoring the left flank with Tuur Rommens
Danny Rohl teased the return of Tuur Rommens in his recent press conference, saying “we will see” on his return status.
Rommens has been out for four weeks, and his absence has shone ever-brighter as the weeks have gone by.
To restore defensive rigidity at Tynecastle, the Belgian must return to the starting XI.
Rommens isn’t just a defender; he is the tactical reset button.
His ability to track back effectively while offering an attacking outlet allows the rest of the defensive unit to maintain a compact shape.
Hearts will look to exploit any hesitation in the channels.
By reintroducing Rommens, Rohl secures the left flank, allowing the midfield to press higher with the confidence that the defensive transition is covered.
