With his words, it was clear that Giovanni van Bronckhorst was delighted with a momentous victory in Dortmund last night.
The pragmatic Dutchman, typically cool and collected, usually strikes a balanced tone regardless of result or performance, neither too high or low however last night was one to enjoy and he certainly did.
That emotion was evidenced in the post-match presser as the boss took satisfaction in the method of the convincing win over the German heavyweights, with the tactics spot on and a plan carried out to the letter.
He was asked about the inspiration for the huge win:
“The belief starts with everyone. Of course, me as the manager, it’s an important role but, in a way, we are all leaders so the belief is there from myself, my staff but also from the players.”
“We all acted as one, we represent this beautiful club and we have to make sure we will make our fans proud of the performances we put in and I think, definitely today, we’ve done that.”
“For us now it’s to enjoy the moment but prepare as well for Sunday for a difficult away game.”
I said earlier that we needed a statement performance and to see a plan, regardless of the result.
We got it and in style. Absolutely delighted!
— Graeme Hanna (@graeme818) February 17, 2022
Following the debacle at Parkhead, GvB’s Rangers have produced a stunning response.
Decisive victories have been recorded over Hearts and Hibs, a shuffle of the pack got the job done in bad conditions at Annan before the main event last night, with 14 goals scored in the process over the last four games.
This team is now thriving and looking more comfortable with the instructions of their manager who has anwered questions posed in his direction. Much of that criticism was valid after Parkhead and the sloppy nature of the preceeding games at Aberdeen and Ross County.
Against Dortmund, they showed no mercy and the gameplan exposed the weaknesses that had been identified. Later in the game, James Sands was introduced with a switch to three at the back and an effective 5-3-2 in defence but still allowing James Tavernier and Borna Barisic to spring forward on the counter attack when the chance arose.
Pragmatic, flexible, precise. Made in the Netherlands with Scottish steel.