Ronald de Boer raves about Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Ronald de Boer has raved about Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst, saying that he is doing an incredible job at the Ibrox club.
Despite the 4-0 loss against Celtic, the Dutchman certainly has earned respect after taking the Bears to the group stages of the Champions League.
De Boer has suggested that the Gers will get better, as the new signings need time to integrate.
Rangers are pitted in the group of death alongside Ajax, Liverpool and Napoli. De Boer feels that it would be a terrific achievement for the club even if they finish third in the group.
“We have a lot of coaches who have a name in Holland but didn’t succeed abroad. Gio had success at Feyenoord but has now done it in his second step with Rangers,” said De Boer to MailSport, as quoted by the Daily Record (4 September).
“He’s under-estimated by a lot of people in Holland. He looks like a gentleman who is quiet. But I know him and he thinks about everything.
“If he’s angry, he’ll show it. Not outside, but inside the dressing-room. He deserves more respect than he’s been shown so far. But it’s getting there. Everyone here has seen it close up now with Rangers beating PSV.
“That was an unbelievable achievement because no-one expected it. He’s certainly gained more respect in the last few weeks. For me, it’s amazing to see Rangers back in the Champions League. The club is so deep in my heart.
“It would be an unbelievable achievement for Rangers just to finish third in this group. They have to be focused, enjoy it and give it everything they’ve got.
“Gio is doing an incredible job and they will only get better. He’s trying to integrate some new players and they’re still getting used to Gio’s system. We haven’t seen the best of him yet.”
Setback
De Boer is absolutely spot on here. Van Bronckhorst has done a brilliant job since taking over from Steven Gerrard.
The dramatic collapse in the league last season was a huge disappointment, but they an incredible job in reaching the finals of the Europa League, and could have won it as well.
This time, they came from behind to book their place in the Champions League group stages, and it won’t be easy for other clubs to demolish Rangers at Ibrox. Win or lose, they are expected to give them a tough fight.
The Gers need to pick themselves up. The humiliating defeat against Celtic will have hurt them badly, as they are already five points behind their rivals.
However, the games are coming thick and fast. They have to prepare themselves for the big European nights, and it will be a real test for the Dutchman to balance both the competitions.
Rangers will face Ajax in Holland on Wednesday (7 September) and they need to fully focus on that. It’s essential they make a strong start, and even a draw would be a fantastic result.
In other Rangers news, Jim White has delivered a damning verdict after what he saw at Celtic Park.