Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gavin Berry

Gio van Bronckhorst switches Rangers focus as he sends 'new day' warning ahead of Dundee United revenge mission

Giovanni van Bronckhorst insists attention switched from Dortmund to Dundee United immediately after their stunning win in Germany.

And the Dutchman says all focus must be on Sunday’s trip to Tannadice as they look to avenge their defeat to the Tangerines at the start of the season.

Tam Courts’ men inflicted a first Scottish Premiership loss in 41 games when Jamie Robson netted the only goal of the game back in August and they only edged a Covid-hit United 1-0 at Ibrox in December.

The champions return for the lunchtime clash on Sunday on the back of a phenomenal 4-2 Europa League victory over Borussia Dortmund.

As they look to keep pace with leaders Celtic and can jump ahead of their rivals in the league even if only for a couple of hours, Van Bronckhorst said: “It is a good feeling to come back with the win, we are all proud of the performance but today is a new day and another game is waiting for Sunday.

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst watches on as his side face Dundee United (SNS Group)

“The players are in a good moment but really focused. Directly after the game, we started recovery and preparation for Sunday.

“We know it will be a tough game but we need the points and will beep for the challenge.

“It is always a tough game against Dundee United and we need to give our maximum effort and energy.

“We have to work hard and be strong as a unit. All our focus is now changed to domestic games.

“We all know the importance of Sunday. We need our full focus and motivation on preparing for Sunday.”

Connor Goldson during a cinch Premiership match between Dundee United and Rangers (SNS Group)

Van Bronckhorst had some outstanding performers with Ryan Kent, Ryan Jack and scorers John Lundstram and Alfredo Morelos all earning huge praise.

He said: “We know the quality of Ryan Kent. I’m really happy for Ryan. Yesterday, his defensive work was also impressive and he is becoming better all the time.

“With players coming back from long term injuries you have to manage them. Ryan (Jack) has done really well, I’m really happy for him.

“His partnership with John (Lundstram) was really important to the balance of our team and both played well.

“Alfredo (Morelos) put in a lot of work on and off the ball. He did really well. He will be fit and ready for Sunday.”

Gers were awarded a penalty and a decision to rule out a goal for offside overturned thanks to the help of VAR.

And Van Bronckhorst said: “I’m very pro-VAR as it will help the officials in the game. The two decisions yesterday were vital game-changing moments.

“With VAR you can make these moments easier for the refs and better for both teams.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.