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Gio van Bronckhorst gets choosy as post Rangers opportunity rejected amid ambitious comeback plan

The Dutchman has been out of work since leaving Ibrox but knocked back the chance to work in his homeland.

(Image: Getty Images)

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has rejected a managerial return chance after knocking back an offer from struggling Eredivise side Utrecht.

The Dutchman was sacked from the Ibrox club last November after falling nine points behind Celtic and a disastrous Champions League campaign that set unwanted records with six group stage defeats. But he led Rangers to a Europa League Final and Scottish Cup success the previous season.


Van Bronckhorst, replaced by Michael Beale who is coming under fire after a derby defeat at Ibrox on Sunday, revealed last month he had turned down an offer to join the footballing exodus to the Saudi Pro League. And he was set to be offered the chance of taking charge of Utrecht, who axed manager Michael Silberbauer last week after a disastrous start to the Eredivisie.

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But the former Ibrox and Feyenoord boss has made clear he is only interested in managing in Europe and not in his homeland again. Van Bronckhorst said: "My ambition at the moment is not to manage in the Netherlands, but abroad.

"I will say that I found the decision to sack Michael Silberbauer so early in the season after just three league games very odd. Everyone at the club has to take responsibility, the players especially. But it seems to me far too soon to be sacking a coach at this stage of the season."

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Gio van BronckhorstRangers FCScottish CupEuropa LeagueMichael BealeChampions LeagueSaudi Pro League
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