The Athletic have shared how Giovanni van Bronckhorst and a handful of senior Rangers players had a disagreement during pre-season while in the Algarve – with some of the squad drinking more alcohol than permitted while away.
Rangers confirmed the sacking of the Dutch gaffer on Monday morning. It comes after a woeful start to the 2022-23 campaign. Rangers have been unable to re-encapsulate the form that saw them reach the Europa League final.
A Europa League final and a Scottish Cup win seem like distant memories. This season, they have endured a woeful Champions League campaign – earning the title as the worst-ever side in the group stages of the competition.
They also sit an enormous nine points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic at this stage of the season. Recent displays against St. Mirren and St. Johnstone have been a step too far. Ross Wilson and the Rangers board have wielded the axe.
Now, The Athletic report that van Bronckhorst and some senior Rangers players clashed in the Algarve. Some players were drinking more then ‘permitted’. The players argued with the manager – some questioning why that happened.
“Various sources confirmed to The Athletic that there was a disagreement on the final day of that Algarve trip between the Dutchman and a group of senior players after they consumed more alcohol than permitted in the team hotel.
“It was not the sort of major row that caused lasting damage, but people close to the players doubted whether disobedience would have occurred under Van Bronckhorst’s predecessor Steven Gerrard,” The Athletic report.
Van Bronckhorst and Rangers players had Algarve disagreement
If anything, this report suggests the Rangers players’ attitude is to blame. Yes, van Bronckhorst might have been too strict, but he is the manager and what he says, goes. You should respect the Dutchman’s rules, and not argue with it.
But the fact some Rangers players were arguing with the ex-Ibrox gaffer after being questioned over their drinking, shows the lack of respect he had compared to Gerrard. It might have been a downward spiral from that point on in.
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