Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst wants a quick start for his players against Aberdeen on Saturday
Rangers manager Giovanni Van Bronckhorst says he has had discussions with the board recently but not about his position at Ibrox.
Van Bronckhorst’s side lost to Napoli for the fifth consecutive Champions League game on Wednesday and were booed off the pitch after last weekend’s home game against Livingston.
“Of course I have discussions with the board and with [sporting director] Horse [Wilson] but my future and my position at the moment have never been discussed,” he said.
“It was something I’ve always had throughout my career, the pressure to perform, the pressure in every game to get to the level. I had him as a player and I have him as a coach.
“Of course you feel the pressure, but the biggest pressure is on myself. It’s something I’m used to and it gives me strength and energy to keep going.”
The former Netherlands captain replaced Steven Gerrard in November 2021 and guided Rangers to the Europa League final before ending last season as Scottish Cup winners.
The Ibrox club finished four points behind Scottish Premiership champions Celtic and are the same back after slipping against Livingston.
While Van Bronckhorst once again stressed the quality of the European opponents, he acknowledged that there is a similar financial gulf between the old firm and its domestic rivals.
“We have to react now and after the points we lost last week but the players are ready for it,” he said, looking ahead to Saturday’s home game against Aberdeen.
“In the Champions League we’ve done well against the big sides at times, but overall the (opposing) players are of higher quality. If you look at the squad, we had a lot of players who aren’t used to playing twice a Week.
“It’s a factor we have to take into account, but yes, of course we have to win tomorrow.”
Van Bronckhorst admitted that it is “difficult” to bring in players after defeats in Europe, saying: “We know the difference in levels but a defeat is still a defeat so we’ve had that feeling five times in this competition now.
“The most important thing is that we are mentally fresh – and I think we are. We have to start positively, up front, and that will also evoke reactions from the fans.”
Roofe suffers another setback
Rangers are without striker Kemar Roofe, who suffered another setback with a calf injury after his brief return to action.
The 29-year-old came on as a substitute in the final games with Dundee and Livingston for the first time this season but missed Wednesday’s defeat in Napoli.
“We won’t have him for a few weeks,” said Van Bronckhorst. “It’s the same area, but a different injury.”
“Firstly, it’s very frustrating for Kemar. He has a history of injuries since he came to this club.
“He tries to come back every time and when he comes back it’s always a setback within a couple of weeks.”
Comments are closed.