Jean-Paul van Gastel reveals why Rangers move was never on the cards
Jean-Paul van Gastel has suggested that he is happy in China, making it clear why a move to Rangers was never on the cards.
When Gio van Bronckhorst took charge of the Ibrox club, it was expected that the 49-year-old would follow him as well.
The Dutchman was Gio’s No2 at Feyenoord and Guangzhou City. After Gio left the Chinese club due to personal reasons, he took over the managerial reigns.
He was linked with a move to Rangers this month to join GvB’s backroom staff, but the Dutchman has now insisted he is happy with the current project.
Vas Gastel explained, as quoted by Football Scotland: “It’s really special what we are doing here.
“We finished in the top eight of the Super League, which is only the third time the club has done that.
“What happened with Giovanni van Bronckhorst was that when we arrived in China, they closed their borders and Gio said he missed his family.
“He told me he was using a clause in his contract to quit. I then said to him, ‘if the club is happy with our approach, maybe there is a possibility that I can take over?’
“Gio was fine with that and that’s what happened.”
Brilliant setup
While Rangers may have missed out on van Gastel, it is still a very good backroom set-up Van Bronckhorst has now assembled.
Former Bayern Munich star Roy Makaay has joined the team, and he has already made his presence felt in training sessions.
On Friday, Ajax coach Dave Vos was announced as van Bronckhorst’s new assistant.
Vos has been with Ajax for around a decade, and he brings with him a wealth of experience that will benefit the Rangers youth team.
Rangers have made a strong start under the Dutchman, having won 2-0 against Sparta Prague in the Europa League clash on Thursday.
After a long time, the Gers produced such a convincing display. Alfredo Morelos suddenly looked to have found his Midas touch as he bagged a brace.
Most importantly, Rangers managed a clean sheet in the game that helped them progress to the knockout rounds of the competition.
Rangers will face Livingston in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist launched into a passionate on-air Chris Sutton plea on BT Sport over his Ibrox row.