Greig legacy still the inspiration for Van Bronckhorst
Dutchman recalls how Barca Bears captain’s tale has spurred him on in build-up to Seville showpiece
THE stories have been passed down through the generations at Ibrox. The heroes of a new tale could soon have their names written in the history books.
When Giovanni van Bronckhorst was taking the first successful steps in his career more than two decades ago, he was told of the legend of the Barcelona Bears. In a matter of days, he could lead his own Rangers side to an achievement that would surpass those heroic feats of 1972.
John Greig was overseeing the Rangers public relations department during those days when Dick Advocaat was spending big to deliver domestic success and in search of European glory. Today, he is a sounding board for Van Bronckhorst.
Greig remains an inspirational figure at Ibrox. His achievements on the park speak for themselves, but it is his standards and his messages that truly outline his importance with the Rangers of today.
If Van Bronckhorst can guide his side to victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night, there would be no prouder a man in Seville than Greig. He stands alone as the only captain to have delivered European silverware but the class of 2022 now have the chance to pay the ultimate tribute to the Bears on the 50th anniversary of their crowning moment.
Van Bronckhorst said: “John is telling that story every day! No, it’s good to have. I love having John Greig around because he is a true legend.
“In my first years as a player here, we had a really good head of communications then! It was really nice to have him around.
“But I think it’s also very important for the players to hear those stories, of the influence and experience they had and what it meant to them. That’s very important because this club is all about history.
“I also told my players that we have two big finals and the final in Seville next week will give them a chance to be in the history books of this club.
“Then the stories they will tell in 10, 20 or 30 years will be the same stories that all the players from ’72 will tell to mine.”
The words of wisdom from Greig have permeated Van Bronckhorst’s career. As a player and now as a manager, The Greatest Ever Ranger remains a source of inspiration and advice.
The Dutchman has been fortunate enough to work under some of the finest coaches of his generation for club and country and his medal collection– earned with Rangers, Arsenal and Barcelona – is cherished. His next achievement would be very different.
Van Bronckhorst stands on the brink of history. He is no stranger to such a position or such an occasion and the final hours before kick-off in Seville won’t faze a man who has seen and done it all in the game.
“I was privileged to train under some really good coaches,” Van Bronckhorst said. “I think the final I played with Barcelona in 2006, when we won the Champions League, we had Frank Rijkaard as coach.
“As a character and the way I work, I think I’m closest to his manners and the way he approaches games.
“I always had a good feeling with him because he used the strength of the team. He always made us feel like we were special and able to achieve great things. With him, I had a really good relationship.
“Louis van Gaal was another coach I had with the Dutch team. As a coach in general, he is one of the best. And Dick Advocaat was a coach I had with both Rangers and the Dutch team.
“You learn from every coach you have and I’m still learning. As a player, I was still learning at 34 or 35 and as a coach you never stop learning, improving yourself and getting new ideas.
“So it’s an ongoing process. I’m really enjoying it at the moment.”
When Van Bronckhorst was appointed as Steven Gerrard’s
successor in November, it was the Premiership title that was in their sights as the heroes of 55 sought to defend their league crown.
European glory was never on the agenda. Indeed, had Van Bronckhorst failed his first assignment and lost to Sparta Prague, the continental campaign would have been over at Ibrox.
Rangers still have domestic ambitions to achieve but the Scottish Cup final with Hearts is not the main focus at present. Van Bronckhorst’s sights are set on a goal that would be truly remarkable.
“In my championship with Feyenoord in 2017, we won the league after 18 years,” Van Bronckhorst said.
“I always like to start with a goal. You always have a goal in mind when you start a campaign.
“It starts with a dream and the dream for us with Rangers this year was to win the Europa League. That’s where we gave all our energy.
“When we came here, and we beat Sparta Prague 2-0, I don’t think many people gave us a chance to reach the final. It shows you that with the right mentality and spirit you can overcome every opponent you play against.
“That’s what we did and that’s what I’m really proud of. We have one more game to play.
“If we win that game, we are the champions. That will be a dream for all of us.”
The dream could become a reality for Rangers. It would be a feat that will be forever hailed at Ibrox, and one which should be greeted with acclaim and gratitude from across the game.
Scottish clubs are not expected to challenge for European honours these days but Rangers’ exploits in recent seasons have raised the standing of the Premiership across the continent.
Teams with greater resources have been conquered. Victory over Frankfurt would be worth millions, but it would also be priceless.
Van Bronckhorst said: “It would be a huge achievement and it also the beauty of football because it doesn’t matter how much you spend or what your players are worth, in the end you have the chance to win against a team in 90 minutes.
“You can play against a team with much bigger budgets and better players but we have won those games.
“I think it is a huge achievement for us and it shows that everything is possible in football once you work hard for it. You have to believe.”
The stories my players will tell in 30 years will be the same stories all the players from ’72 tell to mine