The Mirror reports that Giovanni van Bronckhorst is a frontrunner to take over from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Earlier this month, Dutch outlet Telegraaf, claimed that the former Gers midfielder had joined the coaching staff at the Premier League champions in a roaming capacity.
Now, the Mirror has corroborated that story, claiming the 44-year-old has signed a contract and will gain experience and understanding of all aspects of City group operations.
Rangers cult hero GVB could land big managerial role
It’s stated that can Bronckhorst is currently staying on-site at City’s football academy and working alongside Brian Marwood, City’s Football Administration Officer. In due course, he will be introduced to the inner workings at boardroom level and to the commercial side of the business.
All this, it’s suggested, is to prepare him to potentially replace Pep Guardiola when the Spaniard’s contract expires in 2021.
Shiekh Mansoor wants to put a ‘succession plan’ in place, and van Bronckhorst has been identified as a potential future manager.
He’s not the only name mentioned, though. Pep’s current assistant, Mikel Arteta, and former City captain and current Anderlecht player-manager, Vincent Kompany, are both said to be under consideration.
Verdict
GVB was excellent during his stint at Ibrox, earning the acclaim of the fans and winning five major trophies with the club between 1998 and 2001.
In fact, he was successful everywhere he went as a club player, with honours abounding at Arsenal and Barcelona.
He began life as a manager in impressive fashion too, guiding Feyenoord to a rare league title and two Dutch Cups.
What an opportunity he appears to have in front of him, now. Champions of England and much-fancied in the Champions League, City have become a huge club with state of the art facilities.
Taking over the reins from Pep would be a big ask, but GVB has a track record of success, whether on the pitch or in the dugout.
