Giovanni van Bronckhorst confirmed that a Zoom call discussion with Cedric Itten led to mutual agreement to seal the player’s return to Ibrox.
Given Jermain Defoe’s departure, the squad is now bolstered with another striker and strengthened with a different option. The move makes sense for all parties with Grether Furth not playing in a way that is most suited to Itten’s game with his playing time restricted as a consequence. That isn’t going to change for the rest of their Bundesliga season therefore the loan was cut short.
On the press conference ahead of the Aberdeen game (below), the manager struck a typically pragmatic tone when asked why the Swiss international was recalled.
The Dutchman stated:
“When I came in I assessed the players who were on loan. For me, when you go on loan it has to be beneficial for both the player, for their development but also for the club.”
“For me, it was obvious when Cedric wasn’t playing a lot in Germany, I would rather have him here in this squad instead of being in Germany without playing. We had a zoom meeting with him and Cedric was very open in the discussions and felt the same way so I’m really happy he’s back now.”
🎥 PRESS CONFERENCE: Giovanni van Bronckhorst spoke to the media ahead of Tuesday's trip to Pittodrie. pic.twitter.com/5QI4F3OKFB
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 17, 2022
Hungry
The Swiss international made his mark last season mostly coming off the bench to grab some important goals, as well as the fine strike on Europa League action in Poznan. He has talent, that is clear but the challenge for the players and the coaches is to unlock his full potential.
No longer will he be playing off the right flank or dropping deep as was preferred under the previous regime, No more. Now, it will be in the box and between the sticks with Roy Makaay tasked with helping Itten to shine.
As stated above, GvB knows the Swiss presents some different qualities including an aerial threat. He is definitely an asset with unfinished business at Ibrox so expect the player to work very hard to show he can have a Rangers future.
An appearance off the bench against Aberdeen is possible for Cedric Itten but even more likely is that he will start on Friday night against Stirling Albion in the Scottish Cup tie.