Giovanni van Bronckhorst was left 'bemused' by the timing of Michael Beale's visit for the Ibrox showdown with Aberdeen, according to a report.
The Dutchman was sacked on Monday after just over a year in the Rangers hot seat after replacing Steven Gerrard following his move to the English Premier League with Aston Villa. Former Rangers No2 Beale followed the Liverpool legend south of the border before going out as his own man this summer with QPR in the English Championship.
The 42-year-old - who served as No2 during his time in Govan - is now the odds-on favourite to succeed Van Bronckhorst at Ibrox but it was his October visit for the 4-1 triumph over Jim Goodwin's men that left the former boss 'very disappointed' report the Scottish Daily Express. Results and fan pressure was building at the point and he believes the appearance added even more strain with the trip described as 'too coincidental'.
READ MORE: Michael Beale favourite for Rangers job with Kevin Muscat and Sean Dyche also in running
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletter for more headlines straight to your inbox
Injuries have played a major role at Rangers this term with ever-present Connor Goldson ruled out long-term alongside summer recruit John Souttar and Filip Helander in the defensive ranks. Ben Davies has had his concerns leaving youngster Leon King and midfielder duo James Sands and John Lundstram as the other options. Tom Lawrence - who made a stunning start at his new club - has also been out for months as has Ianis Hagi.
Rangers trail Celtic and Ange Postecoglou at the top of the Premiership by nine points going into the World Cup break while they suffered a Champions League battering with six defeats from six games and a -20 goal difference that meant they earned the unwanted tag as the 'worst ever' group stage team in history.
A source close to the former Ibrox boss told the Express: “Gio was very disappointed when he found out that Michael Beale was a guest of the club at that game. It was too coincidental.
“He had a feeling then that things were slipping which he felt was unfair and unjustified.
“Of course, it now seems that Michael Beale will be taking over at Rangers. What a surprise.”
READ NEXT:
- Rangers' season simulated with Gerrard, Beale, Dyche and Muscat in charge with interesting results
- Steven Gerrard told Rangers return would be mistake as Glen Johnson makes 'lit firework' claim
- Gio van Bronckhorst Rangers sacking 'inevitable' says ex-Ibrox star as he makes 'feel sorry' claim
- Michael Beale favourite for Rangers job with Kevin Muscat and Sean Dyche also in running
