New Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is enjoying his return to Ibrox with successive wins against Sparta Prague and Livingston. Not only has he inherited a squad full of depth as well as quality but also brought in renowned backroom staff in Roy Makaay, Dave Vos, Yori Bosschaart and Arno Phillps. The Dutchman, therefore, has relieved Jermain Defoe from his coaching duties as told to the press ahead of travelling to Easter Road to clash heads with Hibernian.
The veteran Englishman penned a one-year contract earlier this year in a player-coach role. His minutes have been limited behind Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe and Fashion Sakala high up the pitch as his only appearance before the weekend’s involvement was against Dundee United in a 1-0 defeat. Bronckhorst handed him a few seconds against Livingston but has given assurance to utilize him as a player from now on.
“Jermain’s been really good. When I came here of course he was part of the coaching staff but also a player. He’s also busy with his training badges, which is really good because we’ve already started thinking about team processes and tactical possibilities. But for now Jermain is still a player and we’ll use him only as a player.”
Told the gaffer who hailed the 39-year-old’s quality (as quoted by Sky Sports) that is ‘sometimes needed in games’.
Why Defoe Might Still Leave An Impact In Rangers Colours
Defoe replaced Alfredo Morelos on Sunday afternoon moments before the final whistle. But he almost found the net with a late attempt as his sharpness inside the box is still superlative despite being at the twilight of a glittering career. He can’t be deployed week in week out at this stage, however, his involvement might increase given the upcoming fixture congestion. Although the Light Blues did not register the striking ace for Europe, the gaffer expects him to play an important role this season.
Rangers, meanwhile, allowed Cedric Itten to join Greuther Fürth on a season-long loan for first-team football. They roped in Sakala on a Bosman transfer, but the Zambian has mostly operated across the frontline rather than featuring as an outright ‘number 9’. Roofe has had his fitness issues in recent years whereas Morelos, a subject of interest from an array of European outfits, might part ways in the forthcoming future if a suitable offer is received. The Colombian has revived his game of late after a rough run and the decision of reintegrating Defoe would inject experience and variation en route to defending the Scottish crown.
