Former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is said to be among the leading candidates to replace Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst after he parted company with the Scottish Premier League club.
The Ibrox confirmed they had parted company with the former Arsenal and Barcelona star on Monday morning, less than six months after he led them to the Europa League Final and they also lifted the Scottish Cup last season.
In a statement released on the club’s official website, club chairman Douglas Park said: “I want to thank Gio for the hard work he has put in over the last 12 months and, especially, the achievements of taking the club to the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup last season. Unfortunately, recent results have not met neither our nor Gio's expectations, and we have taken this difficult decision today. Everyone at Rangers wishes Gio every success in the future.”
A number of eye-catching names are among the front-runners according to SkyBet, including one very familiar face for Leeds supporters.
1. File photo dated 01-11-2022 of Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Rangers have sacked manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst after a year in charge. Issue date: Monday November 21, 2022.
Rangers have sacked manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst following a run of form this season that has “not met expectations.” Photo: Andrew Milligan
2. Michael Beale - 5/4
Beale was on Gerrard's coaching staff at Ibrox and was credited with being a key figure behind the scenes. Followed him to Aston Villa before taking his first steps into management with QPR. Recently turned down the chance to manage Wolves. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
3. Sean Dyche - 3/1
The former Burnley boss has been out of work since being sacked from Turf Moor in February. He twice guided the Clarets to promotion to the Premier League and led them into Europe for the first time in 51 years. Photo: Pete Norton
4. Kevin Muscat - 5/1
Having got rid of one former player, could Rangers turn to another in the shape of the current Yokohama F Marinos boss? Would set up an interesting all-Australian battle with Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, the man he replaced at the Japanese side last year. Photo: YORICK JANSENS
5. Ralph Hassenhutl - 10/1
The Austrian has been out of work since he departed Southampton earlier this month. Could he make a quick return to the dugout with the SPL giants. Photo: Marc Atkins
6. Steven Gerrard - 14/1
The former Rangers boss, who delivered the club's much-coveted 55th league title, is the early favourite to return following his recent sacking by Aston Villa. Was criticised by Rangers fans for his decision to leave, and is now without right-hand man Michael Beale, who is in charge of QPR. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group