Ally's tactics

[pete 2,520]

Rangers manager Ally McCoist was full of praise for Maurice Edu after the midfielder's eye-catching display in the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock.

 

The American has been a target for flak from fans but helped Rangers open up a seven-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League.

 

"I'm delighted for him," McCoist told BBC Radio Scotland after Edu was given a warm ovation from the Ibrox crowd.

 

"He's a great lad and he gives 100% every time he pulls on that jersey."

 

Edu picked up the sponsor's man-of-the-match award for a performance full of bite and athleticism on a night when a number of his colleagues were guilty of a sluggish start.

 

Rangers eventually broke down a resolute Kilmarnock defence on 64 minutes, with Nikica Jelavic turning in a Steven Davis free kick, while Gregg Wylde added a second goal, set up by Edu, soon after.

 

"There's a lot of players who haven't been able to perform at this club for one or two reasons but Maurice Edu always turns up and gives of his best," McCoist added.

 

"He never hides or shirks an issue.

Gregg Wylde celebrates scoring Rangers' second goal Edu set up Wylde for the second of Rangers' goals

 

"He'll play bad games and he'll play good games. Tonight was one of his good games and his team-mates are delighted for him."

 

McCoist was critical of his side's slow opening but explained that his tactics were at least partially to blame.

 

"If you look at the overall game, I think we deserved the victory," he explained. "We scored two goals and forced their goalkeeper to make a couple of good saves.

 

"But for 25 minutes we didn't play particularly well.

 

"I would shoulder responsibility for that because, initially we wanted to sit back give them the ball and then go and get it. But that didn't really work and we should have changed it a bit quicker.

"I thought fans played their part. They were patient when they could easily have turned. They stayed with us and as long as they do that, we feel we've always got a chance because we have players that go forward, create chances and hopefully take them."

 

If Rangers beat Hibernian at Ibrox on Saturday, they will move 10 points clear of nearest rivals Celtic, who visit Tynecastle on Sunday.

 

"It's a lovely incentive for us," said McCoist looking ahead to the weekend. "But we'll have to go and earn it.

 

"Hibs will make it difficult for us but it's a home game and we will take the game to the opposition."

 

Kirk Broadfoot and Kilmarnock captain Manuel Pascali were booked for their part in a post-match scuffle as the players left the field but McCoist was quick to play the incident down.

 

"I've seen a bit of action in this tunnel over the years and that wouldn't rate in the top 10," he joked.

 

McCoist also revealed that skipper David Weir will play in closed doors game on Wednesday, along with Jamie Ness and Matt Mackay as the trio return from injury.

 

 

Giving the other team the ball as a tactic I have never heard that one before. I smell bullshit.

[chilledbear 16]

This bit.

 

"I would shoulder responsibility for that because, initially we wanted to sit back give them the ball and then go and get it. But that didn't really work and we should have changed it a bit quicker.''

 

Then this.

 

 

"Hibs will make it difficult for us but it's a home game and we will take the game to the opposition."

 

 

Something been lost in the translation ???

[GovanAllan 0]

Got to be a missprint get the lawyers out Mr Wyhte.

 

Or Ally was on the second bottle of red by then.

[der Berliner 4,166]

Well, IMHO we are currently better when we can snatch the ball and counter-attack quickly than being creative and have to dictate the game ourselves. Which is not to say that we have not what it takes to dominate SPL teams ... we showed that in the second half against Timothy as well as at Dunfermline. Yet, when Davis is not at the races (like in the first half yesterday), our midfield creativity drops a few levels. That remains a concern, though one hopes that McKay can add some quality here soon enough.

[craig 5,199]

Giving the other team the ball as a tactic I have never heard that one before. I smell bullshit.

 

Advocaat did it to us in the Europa final.

 

Zenit couldnt break us down when they had all the possession, so he had them allow us more possession so that we had to come forward and not defend in numbers.

[craig 5,199]

This bit.

 

"I would shoulder responsibility for that because, initially we wanted to sit back give them the ball and then go and get it. But that didn't really work and we should have changed it a bit quicker.''

 

Then this.

 

 

"Hibs will make it difficult for us but it's a home game and we will take the game to the opposition."

 

 

Something been lost in the translation ???

 

Personally I dont think so. Allowing Killie the ball and taking the game to Hibs is two different games, two different teams and therefore may call for two different sets of tactics.

 

There are times when I agree about allowing a team the ball as it draws them out of defence such that when you get possession they are more stretched. Last night Killie played a 5-4-1 so allowing them possession to come forward actually made sense. I think it was some smart tactical nous from McCoist which could easily have worked. The problem was that as well as allowing Killie the ball we werent incisive enough when we had it.

 

I think the same tactic against Hibs would be folly though as they have attacking players that can hurt you. I think with Hibs we need to be more high tempo, pressuring and generally in their face.

[Frankie 8,913]

Sometimes it makes sense to allow opposition teams (who would otherwise park the bus) time on the ball - as well as some territory - to free up some space as we attack quickly on the counter.

 

Obviously, such a tactic is somewhat risky but it isn't as daft as it sounds as long as you are disciplined defensively.

[ian1964 10,870]

Sometimes it makes sense to allow opposition teams (who would otherwise park the bus) time on the ball - as well as some territory - to free up some space as we attack quickly on the counter.

 

Obviously, such a tactic is somewhat risky but it isn't as daft as it sounds as long as you are disciplined defensively.

 

The speed at which our team can break makes it sense,but still a bit risky

[GovanAllan 0]

Think your giving Ally to much credit, should read we came against a brick wall had no idea how to break it down and kept giving the ball away, got tore in at halftime 2 0 win simples.

[Guest Dutchy]

This bit.

 

"I would shoulder responsibility for that because, initially we wanted to sit back give them the ball and then go and get it. But that didn't really work and we should have changed it a bit quicker.''

 

Then this.

 

 

"Hibs will make it difficult for us but it's a home game and we will take the game to the opposition."

 

 

Something been lost in the translation ???

 

In one comment, he's talking about the past. In the other comment, he's talking about the future. It all depends on the quality of he oppostion how much of the ball you allow them. That's providing you can get it back in the first place, but in the SPL, it's a bit easier to win it back.

 

I reckon Hibs will be having a go on Saturday, but I'm also aware of the fact, they're shite. About as shite when they beat us 0-3 in Calderwoods first match as Hibs boss.