Rangers sacked supervisor Giovanni van Bronckhorst on Monday after only a yr in cost at Ibrox, with Aussie Kevin Muscat floated as a possible substitute to go up in opposition to Celtic and Ange Postecoglou.
The former Netherlands captain led the Glasgow giants to the Europa League remaining in May, however didn’t win the Scottish Premiership final season and leaves with Rangers 9 factors behind Celtic within the title race.
“I need to thank Gio for the arduous work he has put in during the last 12 months and, particularly, the achievements of taking the membership to the Europa League remaining and successful the Scottish Cup final season,” stated Rangers chairman Douglas Park in an announcement.
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“Unfortunately, current outcomes haven’t met neither our nor Gio’s expectations, and we now have taken this tough choice immediately. Everyone at Rangers needs Gio each success sooner or later.”
Former Rangers boss Michael Beale and ex-Burnley coach Sean Dyche are among the many front-runners to switch Van Bronckhorst however Muscat, who lately gained the J-League with Yokohama F Marinos, can also be within the combine.
Muscat performed a season at Rangers and as a part of the 2002-03 squad gained a home treble, and Sydney FC coach Steve Corica lately argued the Aussie might do to Rangers what Ange has achieved for Celtic.
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“Kevin clearly took over Yokohama after Ange. He had numerous turnaround of gamers and stuff like that,” Corica stated.
“But he went on and gained the league this season, so I’m positive Kevin might do an excellent job at Rangers. I wouldn’t be shocked if Kevin’s being linked with the job.
“He’s simply gained the J-League in Japan whereas he’s additionally gained the A-League right here. So Kevin’s very succesful, he’s an excellent coach and I do know he’s very thorough in what he does.
“Wherever he’s gone he’s gained trophies. So, I’ve little doubt he would do an excellent job at Rangers.
“Of course Kevin would tackle Ange. He’s very aggressive, Kevin. He’s a fiery character and sure, clearly, excellent at his job. I’m positive at some point he in all probability will find yourself at Rangers.”
Scottish tabloid The Daily Record named Muscat as one of many main candidates.
“A title-winning supervisor from Yokohama Marinos was simply the tonic for Celtic however would Rangers repeat the trick? The former Ibrox star was extra of a passing determine than membership legend however his managerial chops counsel somebody able to galvanising a squad in want of a spark,” they wrote.
“Muscat has been hotly-tipped as a contender to develop into the subsequent Socceroos boss however would a return to Europe show an excessive amount of to show down? If Muscat was the selection it will result in an interesting battle of wits with compatriot and mentor Ange Postecoglou who he changed as Marinos boss. The storyline is compelling, of that there is no such thing as a doubt.”
Yokohama F Marinos supervisor Kevin Muscat (C) holds up the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after taking Japan’s skilled J-League soccer title earlier this month. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP) / Japan OUTSource: AFP
Van Bronckhorst, who performed for Rangers between 1998 and 2001, changed Steven Gerrard in November final yr when the latter departed Ibrox to take cost of Aston Villa.
Despite a constructive begin, Rangers let a six-point lead over Celtic slip away as Ange Postecoglou claimed the title in his first season accountable for the Hoops.
The disappointment was diminished by a run to only Rangers’ second European remaining in 50 years earlier than dropping out in agonising style to Eintracht Frankfurst on penalties in Seville.
Rangers responded impressively simply days later to win the Scottish Cup with a 2-0 win over Hearts at Hampden.
There was one other notable European achievement early this season as Rangers beat PSV Eindhoven to achieve the Champions League group phases for the primary time in 12 years.
But their return to Europe’s largest stage changed into a nightmare as they recorded the worst ever efficiency by a facet within the group phases with six defeats from six matches in opposition to Liverpool, Napoli and Ajax and a -20 aim distinction.
Domestically there was additionally no respite for Van Bronckhorst both as Celtic romped to a 4-0 win in the one assembly between the perimeters thufar this season in September.
Further dropped factors in opposition to Livingston, St. Johnstone and St. Mirren in Van Bronckhorst’s remaining 5 league video games in cost go away his successor with a mountain to climb to wrest the title again from Celtic within the remaining 23 league video games of the season.
