THE SCOTTISH SUN 🔵 Ex-Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst officially SACKED as Besiktas release statement

GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST has been officially sacked by Besiktas chiefs.

We told you yesterday how reports from Turkey had revealed the former Rangers boss’ time was up in Istanbul after a dismal run of form.

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Van Bronkchorst, 49, held crisis talks with the board after finding himself on the brink after Thursday’s shock 3-1 defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Besiktas were expected to take three points – despite being forced to play in a neutral stadium in Hungary – but were well beaten in the Europa League clash.

Van Bronckhorst admitted after the game that he was fearing the sack but issued a defiant message over his future and said he was determined to turn things around.

But the Dutchman has been dismissed from the hot-seat and has been replaced by his assistant Serdar Topraktepe on an interim basis.

A statement read: « We have parted ways with our head coach, Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

« We would like to thank Giovanni van Bronckhorst and his team for their services and wish them success in their future endeavors.

« Serdar Topraktepe will temporarily assume responsibility for our senior football team. »

Van Bronckhorst was appointed by Besiktas in June – his first managerial role since being axed at Ibrox in 2022.

But his return to the dugout was short lived, having only been in charge of 20 matches.

He kicked off his tenure with the best possible start in August when he thrashed Istanbul rivals Galatasaray 5-0 in the Super Cup.

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The Dutchman won his first three league fixtures but he faced his first hurdle when he faced Ajax in their Europa League opener.

Besiktas crashed to a 4-0 defeat in Amsterdam before losing their second fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Back-to-back wins over Lyon and Malmo put them back on track in Europe but Thursday’s defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv leaves them on six points after five games.

But the biggest concern has been their form domestically.

Van Bronckhorst leaves Besiktas with the club sitting sixth in the Super Lig and 12 points behind leaders Galatasaray.

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