'We weren't alert': Giovanni van Bronckhorst unhappy with Rangers defeat to Celtic

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst rued his side’s lack of sharpness as they conceded four goals to Celtic in a bruising derby defeat at Parkhead.

Liel Abada scored twice and Jota and David Turnbull were also on the scoresheet in the 4-0 win that sees Rangers five points behind in the title race.

Abada’s first goal came from a quick Celtic throw-in, while Jota got his goal after a free-kick was swiftly put in motion. Turnbull’s goal late in the game was after a goalkeeping blunder from Rangers goalkeeping Jon McLaughlin.

Van Bronckhors found the nature of the goals conceded to be particularly displeasing and said that his players shuold have been alert to Celtic’s preference to get the ball back in play quickly.

“Of course I’m very disappointed with the result and the way we conceded the goals,” Van Bronckhorst told Sky Sports.

“I think it was a repeat of the last game we played in February with a quickly taken throw-in and a free kick. We know that is one of their strengths and we weren’t ready.

“We conceded the goals and you know that when you concede early goals like that then you make them stronger.

“You make it more difficult for yourself so disappointed with that. And disappointed with the result.

“We prepared for these moments, that they were able to be dangerous. We weren’t ready and it’s very disappointing because you want to play a good game.

“Of course you can always have goals against you but not in this manner. I don’t know what it is and it’s very difficult for me to say why.

“The most important thing is that we weren’t alert and you give the first two goals away. The fourth as well.

“That’s three goals you could have avoided.”