Ex-striker salutes Van Bronckhorst after Rangers icon’s ‘spectacular’ reveal
Giovanni van Bronckhorst deserves a “lot of credit” for his start as Rangers manager, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 46-year-old manager has done a “fantastic” job of filling the shoes of predecessor Steven Gerrard.
Rangers are yet to be beaten under Van Bronckhorst, who has won all seven league matches since taking charge on 18 November – and also secured the Gers’ qualification to the knockout stage of the Europa League.
Speaking to the Sunday Post (26 December), Ibrox icon Ronald de Boer insisted Van Bronckhorst’s start has been “quite spectacular”, and backed the Gers to seal the Scottish Premiership title.
Whelan echoed the former defender’s comments, insisting that the Rangers players are “loving life” at present.
“Van Bronckhorst has got to take a lot of credit,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“It’s difficult coming in to replace someone like Steven Gerrard, who had a good relationship with the players, the fans, and obviously had that success last season.
“To step into his shoes and keep Rangers ticking over is just a fantastic thing. There has been no talk of rifts with players, he hasn’t changed much – but it’s worked.
“He’s added his own knowledge and experience into the mix, and the players have responded – they’re loving life at the moment.
“There are certain players who have really come to life, as well, with Alfredo Morelos being one.
“Some managers might have come in and changed everything around. All the dynamics would have fallen apart and so would have the league title challenge.
“He’s been very careful, tweaked a few things and used his man-management skills to get the best out of the players.”
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