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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Giovanni van Bronckhorst on management return and new life as a fan

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed he's enjoying himself too much as a Feyenoord fan to think about getting back into management.

The Dutch coach was axed by Rangers in November, despite leading them to the Europa League Final in the summer and winning the Scottish Cup.

He led Rangers into the Champions League group stages this season, but the tournament turned into a nightmare as his side lost every match and made unwanted history by recording the worst campaign in the competition's history.

The axe fell when he was nine points behind Celtic - which Rangers still are going into this weekend's Old Firm game - and he's spent his time since watching his former club at De Kuip.

He led the Rotterdam side to the Eredivisie in 2017 and won two Dutch Cups and he's revealed he's enjoying watching them this season, with Feyenoord eight points clear of rivals Ajax at the top of the league.

He said: "I can tell you honestly that I have really enjoyed experiencing these successes as a supporter.

"I can be a little more emotional. I'm going to watch Feyenoord as often as I can.

"The nice thing for me is that you know what those matches mean for the players, coaches, and staff. And not only the derbies but also the European matches. It's a good time to be a Feyenoord player.

"The club now knows what winning prizes means and what it all entails.

"We won five trophies in four years. You never get used to winning, but you do learn what it takes and what it means.

"I liked the unity I saw in the club from the technical staff to the bus driver. I now also recognise that in the current Feyenoord. The club is ready for the title.

"When you are a manager, as soon as they go onto the pitch, you lose them as a coach and you just have to hope you have instructed them well enough.

"I know from experience what those guys have to deal with, especially now. They get into situations where everyone starts talking about the title. I know Rotterdam. But they are also constantly confronted with it in the media.

"Perhaps it is an advantage that Feyenoord currently has many foreign players because they don't look at the media as much. But even then they will probably be aware because the city is going crazy!"

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