It has been a dismal start to the season for Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Rangers, and the Dutchman’s job at Ibrox is under huge pressure – but Barry Ferguson thinks he will be given the World Cup break to sort things out at Rangers.
The 2-1 defeat to St. Johnstone in Perth sees Rangers go seven points behind Celtic in the Premiership. Rangers suffered defeat in their only Old Firm outing so far, and lost all six Champions League group games – knocked out.
Indeed, Rangers have suffered the ignominy of becoming the worst-ever team in the Champions League group stages. That is, having only scored two goals, failing to win a point and conceding a huge 22 – including nine to Liverpool.
Van Bronckhorst has an almighty task on his hands to turn the tide. Charlie Nicholas believes it is time for a change at Ibrox and suggested both Sean Dyche and Ralph Hasenhuttl. But Ferguson thinks he will remain in charge until 2023.
“He’s got a contract until 2025. It’s clear he will stay until the World Cup break. But I’m repeating myself,” Ferguson told Go Radio. “You need a response, need to react, need more aggression. I feel I’m saying the same thing every week.”
Ferguson: van Bronckhorst will get break to sort things at Rangers
It is hard to see how van Bronckhorst comes back from the position he has put Rangers in. Yes, blame can be pointed towards the board and Ross Wilson for failing to back the Dutch gaffer properly in the summer.
But a couple of his signings have been poor. A whole chunk went on Ridvan Yilmaz and he is yet to get going. Ben Davies, Rabbi Matondo, Tom Lawrence and John Souttar have not improved the side. Connor Goldson is a big miss.
A mix of injuries and struggling new signings have pushed Rangers further behind Celtic. But van Bronckhorst is struggling to provide Rangers with a plan B. The World Cup break needs to see a big change, or it is curtains.
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