Giovanni van Bronckhorst breaks silence following Rangers exit
Former Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has broken his silence on his dismissal from Ibrox, stating that there were 'unique challenges and some very difficult circumstances' at the club.
Van Bronckhorst replaced Steven Gerrard as Rangers manager in November 2021 and enjoyed a solid first season at the club, reaching the Europa League final.
The 2022/23 season hasn't been as impressive for the Gers, however, as they are already nine points adrift of arch rivals Celtic in the league table, having dropped points against the likes of St. Johnstone.
Their UEFA Champions League group stage campaign was even worse, as the Gers became statistically the worst team to ever play in the competition having lost all six games and conceded a whopping 22 goals.
This poor form domestically and on the continent ultimately led to Van Bronckhorst being sacked by the club. In his first statement since losing his job, the Dutch manager said:
"The opportunity to manage an institution like Rangers FC is a privilege which very few are afforded. As a former player, I understood the responsibility and magnitude of the task.
"My backroom team and I worked with energy, passion and were driven with a belief that we could achieve amazing things. We treated our roles with respect, optimism and determination.
"We experienced some incredible highs, especially on our European journey to Seville. Winning the Scottish Cup for the first time in over a decade and qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League is something I am very proud of. The passion of our support drove us on to achieve those wonderful memories.
"For that, I am forever grateful to every single one of you who travelled near and far, spent your hard earned money, and never gave up supporting our team. This season, like every year at Rangers, the first priority is domestic success.
"I understand the hurt when wins become draws, and worse, when we experience defeat. That isn’t acceptable at a club of Rangers standing, no one understood that and felt that more than I did. I faced unique challenges and some very difficult circumstances to operate in. Rangers FC will always be in my heart and I wish the club all the success for the future. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger."