It was legendary baseball player Leo Durocher who claimed nice guys finish last.
But Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s CV as a player suggests otherwise after a glittering career.
The Dutchman lifted the ultimate prize in club football after helping Barcelona to the Champions League as well as major silverware in Scotland and England.
Van Bronckhorst then helped his boyhood heroes Feyenoord to a first Eredivisie title in 18 years after making the transition into the dug-out.
So behind that mild-mannered persona there must be a fierce will to win to have ensured he has enjoyed so much success in football.
Yet his personality has come under the microscope since Rangers have spilled four points in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Firstly, the Light Blues drew 1-1 at Pittodrie in a game where a string of controversial refereeing decisions dominated the headlines.
Where his predecessor Steven Gerrard wore his heart on his sleeve, Van Bronckhorst appears much less demonstrative on the touchline.
And it’s the same in post-match interviews where Gerrard would often give it both barrels while his successor is much more measured.
Even in criticising his defence following the concession of three goals against Ross County, Van Bronckhorst was calm in his delivery.
That, though, should not be mistaken for someone who lacks passion according to one player who knows him better than most.
Eljero Elia was both a team-mate of Van Bronckhorst’s for Holland and then a player under him when they won the title at Feyenoord.
So he is perfectly placed to discuss the Ibrox gaffer’s personality as he prepares for his biggest game as Rangers manager in Wednesday’s Old Firm derby.
And Elia - now at ADO Den Haag - says the quiet man you see in front of the TV camera pre and post match is different from what you get in the dressing room.
He added that he was more pumped then ever for derby clashes against Ajax - and expects the same in the away dressing room when he takes his side to the lion’s den of a packed Parkhead.
Elia - who scored the winner against Scotland at Hampden in a 2010 World Cup qualifier - said gave Record Sport an exclusive insight and said: “He is gentle Gio but he can be very angry.
“He just doesn’t like to show it in public. I can assure you that in the dressing room he will be angry and yell to the boys like crazy.
“In the year we were champions with Feyenoord sometimes he didn’t want to yell and he would talk one on one with the player.
“Not everyone likes to be yelled at by the trainer and they will say ‘Why do you yell at me, my mother doesn’t yell at me!’.
“But I can share a story with you. I remember one time it was my birthday and I told Gio I was going to celebrate and he said ‘Eli, don’t drink too much.
“The following day I was really feeling it and I came into the dressing room and I was not in my best shape.
“Gio got all the guys together and he yelled at me ‘Eli, you are not a pro!’ He killed me. I told him he was right but that I had asked permission.
“But he had warned me not to overdo it so he killed me in front of everyone. I didn’t have a problem with it because I knew he was a good person so I took it like he was my dad.
“He was so pumped for games against Ajax. We beat them at home for the Cup and in another game we drew 1-1 when I set up Dirk Kuyt for the equaliser.
“We also lost home and away but he was always aggressive and was like ‘F****** hell guys, we have to win this game. Make Rotterdam proud and show Ajax they will get nothing’.
“You could see the emotion because he is Feyenoord through and through. He had come through the Academy and it was a dream for him to be the manager.
“I’m sure he’ll be the same at Rangers given his time there as a player. I will watch the game against Celtic.
“I keep an eye on them since Gio went but also before because Juninho Bacuna is my friend and like a little brother although I know they have now let him go.”
Van Bronckhorst has 26 league points from 30 available since taking over after Gerrard’s sudden departure.
The transition was seen as being seamless but two draws since the winter break has seen a few questions raised over tactics and team selection.
Defeat against Celtic to surrender top spot in the Scottish Premiership and he could come under scrutiny.
Former Southampton loanee Elia, though, can’t speak highly enough of his old boss. He said: “Gio is one of the best people I ever met and one of the best trainers I had in my careers.
“Okay, Louis van Gaal as well but mainly Gio. He knew how I was feeling at all times. He would look at me and say ‘Eli, you are tired? Okay, go inside’.
“When I went to training and we had played a lot of games he would tell me to take a break. It was good man-management.
“The way he spoke to me was like a brother. I had also played with him in the national team and then he managed me.
“He changed his attitude a bit towards me but in a positive way. Once you are the trainer you have to change because the players have to take you serious.
“As a team-mate he was great. He would tell me to play the game, that everyone knew my qualities, to make sure I gave my best and always 100 per cent in the duels.
“He was really nice as a team-mate - a gentleman. Gio is very gentle. I don’t know anyone who has anything bad to say about Gio.
“If you had something negative to say about Gio then I could only assume the problem was with them.
“He’s a nice guy who is always smiling and likes to make jokes. He’s never in a negative way in the media.
“I was available on a free (after leaving Werder Bremen) and everyone was shocked that I went to Feyenoord and that Gio gave me a chance to play for them.
“He is very strong tactically. He likes to play 4-3-3 with wingers and a good striker who can keep the ball.
“He likes wingers who can run inside to the box. I was left winger for him in his favoured system and had a great time under him."
