Giovanni van Bronckhorst insists Rangers must be prepared for anything “crazy” in the latter part of the transfer window. The Ibrox boss admitted there was no update on the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent and Ryan Jack who are in the final year of their deals.
The Light Blues have also been linked with a move for Midtjylland’s Brazilian midfielder Evander and Van Bronckhorst but said “so far nothing has happened with ins and outs”. But the Dutchman, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Saturday’s live TV clash at Hibs, said: “It’s transfer window. Crazy things will happen. I’ve seen it everywhere and over the last windows so it’s more important to be prepared but so far nothing has happened with ins and outs. You’re never sure but we have to be prepared, especially when get to the latter stage of the window.”
And on contract discussions with current members of the squad, van Bronckhorst said: “Talks are still ongoing and there’s no news in developments so we’ll just have to wait and see if it eventually comes to new contracts.” Rangers, though, did announce one piece of contract news this week after skipper James Tavernier extended his deal to take his stay at Ibrox to beyond a decade. Van Bronckhorst said: “We all see what James brings to the team. He’s played here for so many years and continues to play for us which is a good sign. He’s our captain and leads by example so I’m really pleased he extended his contract.”
Van Bronckhorst could opt to make changes for the trip across the M8 with a huge Champions League playoff second leg against PSV Eindhoven just four days later. Hibs boss Lee Johnson said it would be disrespectful to any so-called second string players to claim Rangers are weakened, regardless of the players who take to the field at Easter Road.
The Dutchman was in a playful mood when reporter Luke Shanley asked if it’s important not to make too many changes in case it disrupts momentum. Van Bronckhorst laughed: “Is it good? You are a coach as well?”
But he added: “It’s a period we’re used to - playing a lot of games and big games in the league between European games. We had it last season and we have the same again. We have a good squad to cope with these games so we’ll be ready.
“Now, because we play Tuesday or Wednesday it gives you a little more time to prepare for the weekend. When you play Thursday-Sunday it’s always two days so we have one day extra which gives us more rest. But you always have to make sure you see how the team is doing, the players physically and mentally, and pick the eleven from that position.
“It’s a very exciting game for us at an away ground and a team who makes it really hard for us to play. We’ve seen that in the past as well. It’s a good game for us and we’re looking forward to it.
“Hibs have new players coming in and a new coach, a new style of play. We’ve seen their first games in the league so we have quite a good view of their style and will prepare as normal and make sure we are ready for everything they throw at us.”
Van Bronckhorst has been delighted with the start to Antonio Colak’s Gers carer after the Croatian striker took his tally to four goals in as many games with his goal against PSV Eindhoven and he believes that will help bring out the best in Alfredo Morelos.
He said: “It’s a good start for Antonio. He’s settled in really quick and well into his new team-mates and the club. He’s giving us important goals and you always want that from your strikers so I’m really happy with his performances. All the new players have settled in really well and quick and contribute to the way we play so we have to continue developing them and make sure their performances become stronger and stronger.
“We have a squad now and can pick so many players to start games. That’s the kind of competition you want. We have a lot of competition and different strengths and qualities up front and when the competition is high the level goes up and that’s what you want when you play for big teams and clubs and we have achieved that this season.”
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