The agent of Giovanni van Bronckhorst has told TalkSPORT presenter Jim White that the Dutchman was a “victim of his own success” at Rangers – after the Ibrox club sacked the manager earlier this month, and brought in Michael Beale.
Van Bronckhorst, 47, joined Rangers after Steven Gerrard left for Villa. It saw him return to Ibrox after a brief stint as a player between 1998 and 2000. He made a wonderful start. Winning the Scottish Cup, and almost, the Europa League.
Rangers only lost on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville, Aaron Ramsey missing a penalty. In the summer, the Gers spent cash after selling Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey. But their summer signings have failed to have any impact.
Only two have been largely positive, in Antonio Colak and Malik Tillman. Guido Albers, van Bronckhorst’s agent, spoke to White in an interview that was aired on TalkSPORT at 10.50AM. He gave insight into van Bronckhorst’s feelings.
Albers says he is “disappointed” to have lost his job. Albers cites a lack of finances given the influx of cash in Gerrard’s era, injuries, and says van Bronckhorst was a “victim of his own success” in qualifying for the Champions League.
Albers: Van Bronckhorst a victim of his own success at Rangers
“Absolutely disappointed, he was ready to move forward but he didn’t get a chance. Disappointed because the club is amazing. He felt he needed more time, the Champions League puts pressure on the team. They played a lot of games.
“It was difficult to make the team better. It was the time to move forward. The structure of the club – they put a lot of finances in the club a few years ago, the money available was not much,” Albers continued, on TalkSPORT.
“He was not very lucky with the transfers. I thought he would get another chance. For me personally, it would have been better not to qualify for the Champions League – a victim of his own success.”
It is a fair analysis. Van Bronckhorst had to sell to bring in players. While those summer signings have not worked out, injuries have really hampered Rangers, too. Connor Goldson, being a crucial absentee. Beale has his work cut out.
Indeed, qualifying for the Champions League perhaps did go against Rangers. While it will have helped the club’s cash reserves – it has impacted their confidence. Their self-belief on the pitch, in-turn, affecting their form domestically.
