Martin Keown has given his verdict on TalkSPORT (Monday, 10.15AM) after Rangers decided to sack manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst after a difficult start to 2022-23 at Ibrox – having played with the Dutchman during his playing career.
Van Bronckhorst has been given the axe despite taking Rangers to the Europa League final, and winning the Scottish Cup. This term, Rangers have struggled. They are the worst side ever to play in the Champions League group stages.
Not only that, but they sit a whole nine points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic going into the World Cup break. A woeful start to the season and it has seen Rangers make a decision, with the Gers back in action on December 15 against Hibs.
Keown played alongside van Bronckhorst at Arsenal, joining the Gunners from Rangers during the Dutchman’s playing career. He said he never thought van Bronckhorst would become a manager – and feels Rangers should have kept him.
“I never saw him being a manager. He had strong belief in his own personality, it was unbelievable for him to get to the final with the budget they had. They can’t be second to Celtic. I would’ve liked to see them stick with him,” Keown said.
Keown gives verdict as Rangers sack van Bronckhorst
While he might have deserved a bit more time given his spell at Rangers and the second half of last season, this was only going one way. A lot of fans are of the opinion that a change is needed to get Rangers out of the rut.
The belief that there is a lack of tactical nous and a plan B is strong. The injuries have not helped, and a handful of summer signings have not worked out. Antonio Colak and Malik Tillman are arguably the only signings to have helped.
While it is harsh on van Bronckhorst, ultimately, he needed to go. Rangers need freshening up. Finish this season strongly, perhaps win a Cup and at least push Celtic – ready for next season. The January window is a big one.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
