Brian Laudrup issues ‘major setback’ Rangers warning to Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Giovanni van Bronckhorst is now in a “key period” of his Rangers reign and must avoid the “major setback” of losing to Celtic again says Brian Laudrup.
The Dane still supports the Dutch manager but recognises the gravity of the situation he is currently in, with the season at risk of being lost within the next two games.
Failure to overturn a one-goal deficit against Braga in the Europa League tomorrow (14 April) and cup defeat in the Old Firm derby at the weekend (17 April) would mean a trophy-less season at Ibrox, which Laudrup believes is not an option.
The former Ibrox hero wrote in his Daily Mail column, via the Daily Record: “It’s a key period for Van Bronckhorst. He has been in charge for five months now and I remain supportive.
“But I think it’s fair to say Rangers fans now seem a bit divided about Van Bronckhorst after the disappointing way the Premiership campaign has progressed.
“Is he the right man to take things forward? Is he the right man to conduct the rebuild that is looming in the summer with players out of contract or in their final year? All these questions will be asked by supporters.
“Europe has been great, that’s worth repeating, but there is no doubt that ending the season without silverware would be a serious disappointment.
“They have to win the Scottish Cup. That’s what Rangers’ season is depending on right now unless there is some kind of unforeseen collapse by Celtic in the Premiership.
“We’re not just talking about a psychological blow if they were beaten again by Ange Postecoglou’s team on Sunday. It would be a major, major setback for the whole club.”
Make or break
There has been a lot to be pleased with since van Bronckhorst replaced Steven Gerrard, as the European run has provided fans with some memorable occasions,
But against the backdrop of an increasingly limp title defence, those achievements will mean little without a trophy at the end of the year.
It is not extreme to suggest that the manager’s job is on the line already, especially with three consecutive Old Firm defeats a possibility.
A serene introduction to the top job at Ibrox gave way to an up and down pattern following the new year.
He wasn’t helped by the African Cup of Nations and injury to the likes of Alfredo Morelos.
But domestically the form has not been good enough since the winter break, and the league table shows that.
Lose the next two games and he may well be out, but there is still a chance to salvage something from this year.
In other Rangers news, another former star has pushed the club to move fast on a high-stakes contract situation.