NEIL MCCANN reckons Pedro Caixinha got his Hampden approach wrong from the start as Rangers failed to find their rhythm against Celtic.
The Light Blues were outplayed for long spells of the Scottish Cup semi-final as goals in either half from Callum McGregor and Scott Sinclair clinched a comfortable win for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
It was arguably the worst performance of Caixinha’s Ibrox reign as Rangers saw their dreams of cup glory ended by the Hoops once again.
And former Gers winger McCann believes the Portuguese played his part in a disappointing outcome as his tactical approach failed to pay off.
He said: “I thought the shape was wrong in terms of how to face Celtic.
“Pedro Caixinha went with quite a narrow three and (Kenny) Miller up left and (Martyn) Waghorn right, but too many times Waghorn almost looked as if he was right over playing off the front.
“That made Kenny almost a secondary left back and the whole right side of Rangers gave Kieran Tierney the freedom to become a left winger.
“It just disrupted everything and was so imbalanced out of possession for Rangers.
“That meant that Hyndman was having to charge away out from the central position, which is crucial, to become a wide right player. That just creates more room.
“I thought the balance of the side was all wrong in the first half. Pedro actually identified that and changed the shape and they were better. They stopped Celtic to a certain degree.
“I don’t think there was any lack of commitment from the Rangers players, I wouldn’t say that. The fouls would suggest they are putting their foot in.
“But I think the shape was wrong and it allowed Celtic too much space, too much freedom and although they only scored one goal in the first half, they absolutely bossed the game.
“Once you start running all over the place from midfield to wide positions and your structure is all wrong, sooner or later the legs give way and your mind gives way because you are tired, not only physically but mentally, and mistakes start to happen.”
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