Can Rangers still win without Gerrard, and who could be their new manager?

Can Rangers still win without Gerrard, and who could be their new manager?

Rangers were shocked when Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard left them earlier this month, to become Aston Villa manager after Dean Smith departure. Gerrard left Rangers after 3 and a half seasons, having won the title with Rangers without losing a single league match in 2020-21. Rangers were looking to build on their success this year, before Gerrard took the open spot at Aston Villa.

It leaves Rangers in a very difficult situation. Rangers dominance in Scottish football over the last year was established by Gerrard, with the manager constantly being praised for his excellent leadership, and the player development that has been seen by Rangers players during Gerrards reign.

So where do Rangers go from now. Can they still win the league, and who do they get to replace Gerrard?

Gerrards Replacement

The bookies favourite to replace Gerrard is Giovanni Van Bronckhorst. Bronckhorst had a very successful career as a player, most notably captaining the Netherlands in the 2010 world cup final. He began coaching shortly after retiring, taking over as boss at his boyhood club Feyenoord in 2015. In his four years as boss, Bronckhorst won Feyenoord their first Eredivisie title in 18 years, as well as the KNVB cup in his first season.

Rangers’ fans should already know who Van Bronckhorst is. The former Barcelona and Arsenal man moved to the gunners in 2001, after a three-year stint with Rangers, where he won two league and cup doubles before his move to Arsenal. It does seem as though Van Bronckhorst will be appointed as Ranger’s manager, but it is interesting to see some of the other managers in the race for the job. If you are looking for something else interesting, check out novibet.ie for some exciting bets.

Two other formers Rangers players are also in contention for the job. After a pretty mixed two years as Napoli boss, Gennaro Gattuso could be eyeing up a potential return to the Ibrox. Russell Martin did not quite have the storied career that Gattuso did, but Martin has already become an exciting manager at the age of 35, having managed MK Dons and Swansea already. Any of these three would be good picks and could lead the team forward.

Can Rangers till defend their title

Gerrard leaving has a massive effect on this Rangers team. The exciting future they had looks to be slightly in jeopardy. But with the right appointment, Rangers can get back on track. I think January will end up being crucial for Rangers.

One of the most impressive parts of Gerrards tenure is how he has developed such a talented squad. The problem now is that other teams are recognising the fact that Rangers have a very talented squad. So, teams all across Europe will be looking at Rangers losing Gerrard, combined with some financial issues, and see it as the perfect opportunity to poach their stars.

This process seems to have already begun, with Gerrards new team being linked with Ryan Kent. Rangers will be looking to hold onto him, as well as some of their other crucial parts. Now this by no way means that Rangers shouldn’t sell anyone in January. Big offers for Alfredo Morelos or Connor Goldson should be listened to.

But any transfer business done in January should be done in the mould that Gerrard was building. Smart business, like bringing in youngsters like Ianis Hagi and Joe Aribo should be continued. Rangers should not change the processes they were doing in the transfer market, just because they lost their manager.

Losing Gerrard is certainly not the end of Rangers challenging for the title. If they maintain the principles that gave Ranger’s success under Gerrard, they can get the best out of this exciting squad and look to become back-to-back Scottish champions.