Having quoted his stunning record at Feyenoord – Champions League, their first league title in 18 years, when Rangers brought GVB we at Ibrox Noise knew we were onto a winner.
This manager got the best out of the Dutch side and claimed that first Eredivisie for almost two decades, getting them into the CL by way of it.
So why is he struggling at Ibrox when the two clubs are maybe kind of similar in size and even budget, to an extent?
The answer is simple – he isn’t.
See, it’s not so much he is or isn’t struggling at Ibrox compared to Feyenoord, it’s the fact the expectations of both clubs are COMPLETELY different.
Feyenoord are a massive team but of the three Dutch goliaths, they’re by far the smallest. Think Spain and Real and Barca plus Atletico – all huge teams, but the first two are considerably bigger than Madrid’s second side.
Ergo in Holland, expectation upon Feyenoord and their fans is way, way less than at Rangers.
Feyenoord don’t expect to win every week, they don’t expect to win titles, and indeed Gio doing so was against the odds, not even that far off Leicester-style.
He was Feyenoord youth coach for two years, got promoted, and on his second season as main boss he won the title with an impressive 26 wins of 34, losing and drawing four.
This was enough to seal the deal for their first title in 18 years, but by no means was Gio expected to do this – he wasn’t expected to win every week, not like at Rangers.
Despite knowing the pressure of Ibrox as a player, he’s experiencing it completely anew as manager, and in the past month we’ve seen cracks in his previously calm exterior, cracks of pressure and realising how big Rangers truly are as manager, and how it all falls on him.
He just didn’t have that pressure in Holland.
What Gio now has to deal with is a mini crisis – Rangers’ terrible form at present stops with him, and while he’s made some very bad decisions (and continues to do so) it’s on him to learn to handle this pressure, learn how to win ruthlessly and tolerate the pressure of being Rangers boss.
He got a bit of a free pass last season, but this one really is the one he gets judged.
We wish him luck, to figure it out – because Rangers’ chances of 56 rest on his shoulders.
We’re not in Rotterdam any more.
Not sure what your point is. Gio IS struggling. And today’s performance on the back of 3 shocking defeats confirms it. His signings have been awful. His tactics aren’t working. He doesn’t seem to motivate the team. His team selections are odd. His substitutions are poor. Fans are fast losing faith in him. To me that’s struggling.
In all honesty Rob, you’ve been clear from the getgo you’re a Gerrard fan and not a Gio fan. You’ve done little but criticise him throughout his reign. One of the least supportive fans we’ve seen.
Frankly I’m shocked at your reply. When Gerrard went I thought Gio was the right man for the job and have been largely supportive but I’ve also called out what I see to be wrong. I doubt if there is any Rangers fan who disagrees that his signings have been awful. Most, including IN, think he’s had odd team selections, e.g. McLaughlin instead of McGregor, a midfield player at centre back and persisting with a clearly out of form Ryan Kent. And while I’ve pointed out these glaring issues with the team I have never, like many on here, asked for Gio to go. You simply won’t find a post of me calling for the managers head. Instead I usually, but not always, point the finger at underperforming players. And you’re right I was a Gerrard fan but I criticised his teams often for underperforming before he left last season.
‘Largely supportive’ is Rob speak for occasionally nodding in the occasional approval of being wrong on something, but generally being critical without let up. Unfortunately for you your comment history speaks volumes for your general disdain for Gio. Fair play, you stuck to your guns, but largely supportive you’ve not been. Bit revisive this one. Shocked perhaps at being called out. Can almost see the outrage! FYI we let you have your view, unlike other sites.
I have to agree with Robrob57 , I was disgusted at the way Gerrard left and his blatant bias and sometime negative tactics, we are in a mess , firstly can you explain why the money was wasted, who authorised or sanctioned those signings . Why does GVB not pick these signings . King before Davies ???. What is happening off the field ? Its not good and let’s be honest this doesn’t look like its getting any better .
That’s just it Bill, you’ve been nothing but unconditionally supportive like us till the last month or so where we’ve all seen cracks. No issue with that!
I’m a Rangers fan.I’m sorry Rangers didn’t deserve to play some sands and that’s in the heart of the defence it’s unacceptable.
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