Advocaat’s ‘sympathy’ for McLeish
McLeish took over from the Dutchman in December 2001 when Advocaat stood down to become Director of Football before eventually leaving Glasgow to concentrate fully on his second spell as Holland boss.
Despite winning seven trophies since taking over from Advocaat, speculation continues to mount concerning McLeish's future as Rangers find themselves already 10 points behind Celtic in the league.
Wednesday's draw away to Artmedia in the Champions League left the Scots still in with a chance of qualifying through the group stages for the first time.
However, the general consensus is that defeat in the forthcoming double-header against Celtic in the CIS Cup and the SPL will leave McLeish in an untenable position.
Advocaat, mindful of the incessant pressure he found himself under towards the end of his time in Glasgow, said: "Yes, I have sympathy for Alex at this moment.
"I have sympathy for all coaches, it is a very insecure job and things can happen to you. When you're winning you feel you're at the top and when you're losing then you feel you're at the bottom.
"Every manager knows that and I know Alex is aware of it because I read something on a website that had him saying the same thing. It's not good but it's the same situation in all countries for all coaches.
"I hope Alex can come through and start getting the results but he knows the rules."
Advocaat took over as manager of South Korea last month and started off with a 2-0 friendly win over Iran in Seoul and insists his short time in Korea has offered up clear comparisons with his experience in Scotland.
He said: "I've just had one game so it's a bit too early to say exactly how things are going.
"But they like their football and the passion is the same as in Scotland.
"When you have passion to add to technique then you can have a good side.
"So I don't think there are any great differences between the two nations."
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