Speaking at today’s press conference, Giovanni van Bronckhorst responded to questions regarding his side’s style of play which has faced criticism in recent weeks.

After 11 months in the job, a transfer marker to recalibrate the squad and a full pre-season to implement ideas, performances such as Sunday’s match against Motherwell, in which Rangers recorded a measly 70 percent pass accuracy and created just 0.8xG, naturally test patience reserves. Supporters want style as well as substance and the win at the weekend featured little of the former.

The discussion surrounding a manager’s playing style is of course nuanced and complex. The fact that van Bronckhorst has chopped and changed with such regularity hasn’t helped translate his long-term vision. It's common to hear Rangers supporters ask the simple question 'what is our style of play'? Meanwhile, European games are now appearing to expose elements of his approach rather than last season when midweek matches consistently proved the benefits of the Dutchman’s tactical flexibility. Consequentially, greater scrutiny is being placed not only on domestic results but domestic performances.

“We want to attack, that's for sure,” the manager said in response to a question regarding his style.

“Sometimes in games, it goes easier than other games where a team is low in a defensive block and it's more difficult. It's not very difficult to see that. Then you have to make the right decision in smaller areas, that's why you need players who can create chances in these moments. That's what we are looking for and we have some players who are able to do that are not in the squad because of injuries so we have to change that a little bit to keep creating chances.

READ MORE: Why Rangers' lack of style is undermining 'win ugly' mantra - Joshua Barrie

“The last games at home it was good. In the game against Motherwell when you have chances in the first four or five minutes you have to score them to make it easier for yourself.”

Rabbi Matondo and Ryan Kent were on the end of accurate diagonals in the opening minutes against Motherwell but failed to capitalise on moments not dissimilar to those that preceded assists against Hearts in a recent 4-0 win. Thereafter, however, the side toiled until a brief renaissance at the start of the second half that Malik Tillman catalysed with his impressive solo effort.

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In five home league matches Rangers have won three games 4-0, one 2-0 and one 2-1. At times criticism regarding the pace of play has been warranted but generally, games at Ibrox don’t appear to be the predominant issue.

Away from home however, van Bronckhorst’s side have averaged just 1.18xG per 90 this season, almost half of the 2.07xG per 90 chalked up at home. In the Champions League group stage that trend has also been present. Not only did the Ibrox side fail to score away at Liverpool and Ajax, but they also created just 0.54xG over the two matches. Is there an issue in implementation when not at Ibrox?

“Not always. The last game it was, against Hearts it was much better,” the manager added.

“There we controlled the game more and were much sharper in going forward, especially from the back. It was the first game after the break and we were all fresh. There is also a difference physically and mentally. It's hard to go into your rhythm. We started well and after the break, we had that back. We tried to overload spaces and commit to areas where we create overloads and it was much better in the second half. Away games are always difficult. You have to prepare well and start well.”

Managers can try to sell ideas and defend principles all they want. Ultimately they will be judged not only by results but how they can thrill, entertain and convince supporters that success will follow.

More than ever, van Bronckhorst needs to translate his stated desire for attacking football onto the pitch. As the old adage goes, actions speak louder than words.

This piece is an extract from yesterday’s Rangers Insider newsletter, which is emailed out at 4pm every weekday with a round-up of the day's top stories and exclusive analysis from the Rangers Review team.

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