Hearts are ready for ‘a different type of Rangers’ as Derek McInnes reveals what’s really changed under Rohl

Hearts are ready for ‘a different type of Rangers’ as Derek McInnes reveals what’s really changed under Rohl

Derek McInnes has acknowledged the impact Danny Röhl has made at Rangers, but the Hearts boss remains confident his side can rise to the challenge and come out on top.

McInnes believes a close look at Rangers under their new manager shows a team that has steadied itself by returning to a more straightforward, results-driven approach. He was full of praise for the German coach, who takes his side to Tynecastle on Sunday boasting an unbeaten domestic run since replacing Russell Martin in October.

Röhl has moved Rangers away from Martin’s high-risk, possession-heavy philosophy in favour of a more pragmatic style, and McInnes saw the benefits of that shift first-hand when he watched them defeat Hibernian at Ibrox in midweek. The Hearts manager felt the Light Blues looked rejuvenated and far more secure.

“Danny Röhl has done well since coming in,” McInnes said. “He’s been very pragmatic. Domestically, Rangers have definitely made progress in terms of results. I was at Ibrox the other night for the Hibs game and while it was fairly even, it was also quite open at times in the first half. Once Rangers scored, though, I thought they managed the game really well.

“They didn’t really put themselves under too much pressure after that. When you consider where Rangers were when he arrived, the improvement in results is clear and he deserves a lot of credit.”

McInnes added that while the team looks different under Röhl, the underlying quality within the squad remains obvious.

“It’s a different type of Rangers side, but there are still a lot of good players there, regardless of the system, approach or manager,” he said. “When you look at their squad, there’s still plenty of talent. They spend millions, pay big wages and you can clearly see the quality they have.”

Hearts head into the clash having won all three of their matches against the Old Firm so far this season, a run that has helped them build a nine-point gap over third-placed Rangers, who do have a game in hand.

McInnes admitted that protecting their six-point lead at the top of the table is a priority, especially with expectations continuing to rise.

“This is a game between two big clubs with big demands,” he said. “Any Hearts team playing Rangers at Tynecastle would expect to win, and Rangers will place the same demands on themselves home and away.

“There’s huge expectation around the game. Our fans expect a lot from us and that’s absolutely fine, because we put those same expectations on ourselves. If we turn up and do our work properly, we believe we can get a result.”

McInnes also feels Rangers’ visit to the capital sets the stage for a special festive occasion at Tynecastle, while providing another chance for Hearts to underline their title credentials.

“It’s been a slightly longer week for us because we played last Saturday and now we’re heading into Sunday, but the game can’t come around quickly enough,” he said. “With it being the last weekend before Christmas, it’s a great time for a high-profile match.

“We’ve had plenty of big games recently with TV coverage and everything that comes with it, but Hearts versus Rangers is always a huge fixture, no matter where the teams are in the table. It’s one the supporters look forward to, and we’re just as excited as they are to get started.”

Away from preparations for Sunday’s match, McInnes also attended a meeting this week with SFA referees chief Willie Collum and fellow Premiership managers, where a series of video clips were reviewed and discussed. He felt the session was productive and welcomed the opportunity for open dialogue.

“I always think these meetings are worthwhile,” he said. “It’s good to have conversations, to talk things through and air any grievances face to face. I’ve always encouraged getting managers in a room together whenever possible.

“Usually, when you see other managers, it’s in the heat of competition, arguing over decisions and fighting your own corner. It’s actually refreshing to sit down and have a proper discussion, because we’re all dealing with the same pressures.

“We all have issues, concerns about VAR, and a shared desire for better standards and more consistency. These conversations, which Willie and the SFA are keen to promote, can only be a positive thing.”