Ex-Rangers boss sacking ‘considered certain’ as crucial timescale delivered following nightmare run

The 49-year-old Dutch boss spent a calendar year in charge at Ibrox, leading the team to a historic Europa League final in his debut season at head coach. However, he was dismissed just three months into the following season when a run of poor results left them trailing eventual champions Celtic by nine points in November.

Following his departure from Rangers, van Bronckhorst took almost two years out of football before penning a two-year deal with Besiktas in the summer. He could find himself out of work again after just 12 league games after a dismal four game winless run that the title hopefuls in the Turkish Super Liga.

Currently 13 points behind league leaders Galatasaray, the ex-Rangers boss was dealt a body blow when his side squandered a two goal lead to lose 4-2 in their last home game against Göztepe. The disastrous defeat was their second home defeat in a row, and came following a 3-1 defeat to Kasımpaşa in early November. The loss resulted in a section of Besiktas supporters turning on the head coach, with some calling for his dismissal.

With a crucial derby clash against Fenerbahçe due in early December, Turkish outlet Sabah now claim those fans may get their wish, with van Bronkhorst on the verge of being removed from his position as head coach of the Black Eagles.

The report states that he has just two games to save his job and that ‘his suitcase is already at the door’. It goes on to state that tomorrow’s Europa League tie with Maccabi Tel Aviv, and the league game with Hatayspor on Monday, will decide his fate, adding his departure will be ‘considered certain’ should results not go his way.

Speaking in 2022, the ex-Barcelona player claimed he faced "unique challenges" and "very difficult circumstances" whilst in charge of Rangers, saying: “I understand the hurt when wins become draws, and worse, when we experience defeat. That isn't acceptable at a club of Rangers' standing, no one understood that and felt that more than I did.”