NEIL McCANN DROPS A BOMBSHELL LIVE ON AIR!” THE PUNDIT COMPARES DANNY ROHL TO RUSSELL MARTIN AND LEAVES FANS STUNNED WITH HIS BRUTALLY HONEST VERDICT ON RANGERS.
NEIL McCANN DROPS A BOMBSHELL LIVE ON AIR!” THE PUNDIT COMPARES DANNY ROHL TO RUSSELL MARTIN AND LEAVES FANS STUNNED WITH HIS BRUTALLY HONEST VERDICT ON RANGERS.
Neil McCann has sparked huge reaction among Rangers fans after making a bold on-air comparison between Danny Rohl and Russell Martin, claiming the new manager’s tactical system has completely transformed the team’s defensive structure and confidence.
Speaking on BBC Sportscene after Rangers’ convincing win over Hibernian, McCann didn’t hold back in his assessment of how Rohl’s changes have revitalised the squad particularly in how the team defends and builds play from the back.
Rangers’ 1–0 victory was one of their most composed and controlled performances of the season, with Nasser Djiga standing out as one of the key figures. The 21-year-old, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, dominated his duels and produced a crucial last-man tackle that drew high praise from McCann.
But beyond individual performances, it was the system itself that caught the pundit’s attention.
“In that back three, at times under [Russell] Martin, the two centre-backs were left isolated,” McCann explained.
“But the one thing Rohl’s done brilliantly is make them compact and connected. You can see the difference immediately.”
McCann went on to underline the contrast between the two managers’ approaches, saying that while Martin’s setup often left Rangers exposed, Rohl has built a more stable and structured foundation something fans have been crying out for.
“He did struggle early on,” McCann said, referring to Djiga’s early form. “But I think that was genuinely how Rangers were playing. The fullbacks were high, the shape was stretched, and there was no cover. You can’t go two for two every time and Rangers were doing that earlier this season.”
Under Danny Rohl, however, Rangers have shifted to a three-man defensive shape, allowing the team to control transitions better and maintain balance even when full-backs push forward. That change has not only solidified the backline but also unleashed the team’s confidence going forward.
“With the three centre-backs, it allows players to pick their moments,” McCann added. “You can see the calmness in their game now. It’s structured but still aggressive.”
The comments immediately caught fire online, with Rangers fans flooding social media to agree with McCann’s verdict. Many supporters praised Rohl’s impact in such a short time, describing the new system as “night and day” compared to the earlier weeks of the campaign.
It’s clear that Rohl’s arrival has injected a fresh sense of belief and identity into the squad. His disciplined yet dynamic approach is already producing visible results and even experienced pundits like McCann are taking notice of the transformation.
For players like Djiga, who struggled under the previous setup, the difference has been dramatic. The young defender’s improved form is a reflection of a more balanced and supportive structure one that allows him to use his pace and aggression without constantly being exposed.
Rohl’s Rangers are starting to look like a unit again compact, confident, and hungry. And with McCann’s bombshell comments lighting up the post-match debate, one thing is certain: the Ibrox faithful are beginning to believe that a new era might just be underway under Danny Rohl.
