Giovanni van Bronckhorst ‘can’t wait’ to feel the atmosphere of a packed Ibrox again ahead of making his debut as Rangers manager against Sparta Prague, via the Glasgow Times.
The Gers welcome the Czech side to Glasgow on Thursday night in game five of the Europa League group stage. They are level on points with Rudi, but trail after losing the reverse tie.
David Hancko scored the only goal of the game at the Letna Stadium in September, which is Sparta’s only win so far. While Rangers beat Danish side Brondby 2-0 at home last month.
Van Bronckhorst beating Sparta Prague in his first match since replacing Steven Gerrard as Rangers manager could put the Ibrox natives on course to progress to the knockout phase.
The Dutchman watched on from the stands as the Gers lost their League Cup semi-final to Hibernian on Sunday. He is now fully focused on guiding the club to a win on Thursday, but being back in front of a packed Ibrox 20-years after leaving as a player also excites him.
“I am looking forward to the first game back in the stadium and of course it will bring many memories of my time when I was a player. Very good memories,” Van Bronckhorst said.
“I can’t wait to feel the atmosphere again in the stadium. But I am old enough to separate my emotions into the focus I need to perform with the team.
“Before the game, it will be mixed feelings. But once the whistle goes from the referee, I will be fully focused on my task and that is to guide my team to victory.”
Can Van Bronckhorst seal debut Rangers win vs Sparta Prague?
Van Bronckhorst will be desperate to seal a win over Sparta Prague on his debut as Rangers manager on Thursday.
The Glasgow outfit would move second in Group A and seal their place in the Last 32 with a game to spare if they can win by two or more goals and Lyon beat bottom-placed Brondby.
Sparta Prague only need to beat Rangers by any scoreline to seal second-place if Lyon also beat the winless Brondby.
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