Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhort’s position at the club is now a ‘test of patience’ following a difficult run of results, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Dutch tactician has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks as the Gers have failed to make a mark in Europe while struggling to keep pace with bitter rivals Celtic domestically.
What is the latest news involving Van Bronckhorst?
Despite a strong start to the season that saw them advance to the Champions League group stages for the first time in over a decade, Rangers have been unable to build on those promising results.
The Glasgow giants were booed off the Ibrox pitch twice last week following a 1-0 victory over Championship outfit Dundee and a disappointing 1-1 draw with Livingston, and Van Bronckhorst stated he understood the crowd’s reaction.
“I understand them, and we will work hard to overturn that,” he said. “They want their team to be successful. It is what is expected as a Rangers manager or player.
“When it is not happening, you will get criticised and that is something we need to take. The fans are so important for every club, also for us, and we have to give them the moments to be positive over.”
Rangers are already out of the Champions League following four consecutive defeats while their stalemate last time out has seen them slip four points behind league leaders Celtic in the Scottish Premiership standings.
What has Jones said about Van Bronckhorst?
Jones has informed GiveMeSport that he believes Van Bronckhorst now faces a ‘test of his ability’ to transform Rangers’ fortunes.
He said: “It's a test of patience now with the fan base and the ownership and for Van Bronckhorst. It's a real test of his ability to get more out of this team, I guess.”
Can Van Bronckhorst turn things around?
Rangers are set to take on Napoli and Ajax in their final two Group A encounters with a place in the Europa League still within their grasp.
Van Bronckhorst will also lead his side out against Aberdeen, St Johnstone, Hearts and St Mirren before the mid-season pause for the World Cup, and the results in these games could determine his future.
If Rangers are eliminated from European competitions altogether and drop further behind Celtic, then Van Bronckhorst’s position is likely to be under threat.