Following his resignation Rangers’ ex-manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst made his first appearance. In a statement on Instagram, the trainer mainly expresses his gratitude and pride, but also says that he had to deal with ‘very difficult circumstances to work in’.
The curtain fell for Van Bronckhorst after a 1-1 draw against St. Mirren. That meant yet another setback in this disappointing season, so the club management decided to intervene.
Van Bronckhorst did not immediately respond to his dismissal. The coach took his time to reflect his thoughts. “The chance to lead a club like Rangers FC is a privilege that few can afford. As a former player, I understood the responsibility and the magnitude of the task,” Van Bronckhorst begins on Instagram. “My assistants and I worked with energy and passion and were driven by the belief that we could achieve great things.”
“We’ve been through great things, especially on our European trip to Seville,” Van Bronckhorst refers to last season, when Rangers reached the final of the Europa League tournament. “Winning the Scottish Cup for the first time in over a decade and qualifying for the Champions League group stage is something I am very proud of. The passion of our supporters has driven us to create these wonderful memories. I am very grateful for that.”
However, it was not possible to continue this season. “Like every season, the first priority was success at home,” writes Rangers’ ex-manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst. “I understand the pain when wins become draws or when we lose. That is not acceptable for a club of Rangers stature and no one understands and feels that more than I do. I have faced unique challenges and very difficult working conditions. But Rangers will always be in my heart and I wish the club the best for the future. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger.”
