‘Huge statement’ from Goldson has ‘set alarm bells ringing’ at Rangers – pundit
Connor Goldson’s comments after Rangers were defeated in the Scottish League Cup semi-final will have “set alarm bells ringing” for Giovanni van Bronckhorst, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 3-1 defeat against Hibernian will have been a “massive blow” for the Dutchman in the first Gers match since his appointment.
Speaking after the match to Premier Sports, Goldson suggested Rangers have “lost their hunger” after winning the title last season, and insisted they have “not been good enough” this term – despite sitting top of the Scottish Premiership.
The Ibrox club confirmed Van Bronckhorst’s appointment on Thursday (November 18th) after Steven Gerrard’s departure a week earlier.
The former Gers player was not in the dugout for the defeat at Hampden Park.
Whelan insisted the cup defeat will have been “the last thing” Van Bronckhorst will have wanted after his arrival.
“That will be massively worrying for the fans and the manager – it’s a huge statement,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“To say you’ve lost your hunger – that means you’ve got no desire or will to work, it all ties in.
“It’s not good to hear that from one of Rangers’ most experienced players – they should be hungry to retain the title.
“Yesterday was a massive blow. It was a huge opportunity to get to a final against their biggest rivals.
“To be beaten will be the last thing Rangers and Van Bronckhorst will have wanted. Especially in the first game after his appointment.
“It sets the alarm bells ringing straight away.”
Rangers hold a four-point advantage over Celtic in the Scottish Premiership after 13 games.
The pair meet at the beginning of January.
In other news, Rangers are set to fight Nottingham Forest to sign Scotland-based star.