Giovanni van Bronckhorst sacked by Rangers

Rangers have confirmed they have parted ways with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Appointed as a replacement for Steven Gerrard in on November 18, 2021, Van Bronckhorst led Rangers to the Europa League final in his debut season but failed to maintain that momentum in the 2022/23 season.

Rangers currently sit second in the Scottish Premiership, nine points behind rivals Celtic, while they endured the worst Champions League group stage campaign on record as they were thumped by Ajax, Napoli, and Liverpool.

Now, Rangers have confirmed Van Bronckhorst’s time at the club is up.

“Rangers Football Club confirms today it has parted company with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst,” a statement read. “The board would like to put on record sincere thanks to Gio for all his efforts since his appointment as manager.

“Arriving at the club just over a year ago, Gio led the club to a fifth European final and won the Scottish Cup last May. He also led the team to the club’s first Champions League qualification in 12 years.

“Unfortunately, results and performances over recent months haven’t met expectations and the decision was made today by the board to terminate the contract of the manager.

“The search for the new manager is now underway.”

Chairman Douglas Park added: “I want to thank Gio for the hard work he has put in over the last 12 months and, especially, the achievements of taking the club to the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup last season.

“Unfortunately, recent results have not met either our nor Gio’s expectations, and we have taken this difficult decision today. Everyone at Rangers wishes Gio every success in the future.”