One high-profile manager has hinted that he is open to managing Rangers in the future, as those at Ibrox search for Philippe Clement’s long-term successor.
Rangers manager rumours
The Gers decided to bring in former captain Barry Ferguson until the end of the season after parting ways with the Belgian.
However, in the Scottish Premiership, things didn’t go to plan for Ferguson in his first game in charge at Ibrox last weekend. Ferguson’s side lost to Motherwell, however, the ex-skipper can improve his chances of getting the Rangers job on a full-time basis with a positive result against Celtic next weekend.
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Top target: 49ers and Rangers now want “excellent” 4-4-2 manager at Ibrox
He’s looking for a job.
It isn’t just Ferguson who has been mentioned as a target for Rangers, with likely new owners the 49ers Enterprises on the manager hunt after agreeing a deal in principle to own the Scottish giants.
Derek McInnes of Kilmarnock and former Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner were two early names mentioned with the long-term Ibrox vacancy, and recently, it has been claimed that Rangers and the 49ers have made Rafael Benitez the preferred managerial target.
The Spaniard has been out of work for 12 months now after leaving Celta Vigo but is keen to return to the dugout, and another experienced name has also hinted at a move to Scotland, but not immediately.
Mourinho hints at managing Rangers in future
Rangers are currently halfway through their Europa League last 16 tie with Fenerbahce, with Ferguson coming up against iconic manager Jose Mourinho.
During the first leg in Turkey, Ferguson got the better of Mourinho, with Rangers taking a 3-1 advantage into the second leg after an opening goal from Cyriel Dessers and a brace from Vaclav Cerny.
The former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Man Utd boss was asked about the chances of managing in Scotland in the future, and appeared to be open to a move down the line, saying ‘why not?’
“In this moment, no, because I have a job. It’s a job that motivates me and demands loyalty. But why not in the future? People can say the Scottish league is a league of two teams, but it is a league of passion. Passion in football is everything.
“To play in empty stadiums and competitions where there is not that fire of the passion does not make any sense.
“Celtic and Rangers are two big clubs with incredible history also in Europe. I have lots of respect. They are big clubs with big fan bases, expectations. Celtic has a fantastic coach in Brendan [Rodgers]. Rangers has Ferguson now and I am not searching for a new job.”
|
Mourinho’s career record as a manager |
|
|---|---|
|
Games |
1,177 |
|
Wins |
730 |
|
Draws |
238 |
|
Losses |
209 |
|
Goals scored |
2,299 |
|
Goals conceded |
1,087 |
|
Trophies |
26 |
Mourinho, who plays a 3-5-2 system and has been called “outstanding”, currently has Fenerbahce second in the Super Lig, four points behind Galatasaray. He also has a 100% record against Rangers’ rivals, Celtic, beating them in the 2003 UEFA Cup final with FC Porto to win his first European trophy.
The two-time Champions League winner was only appointed last summer and has a contract until 2026, but a move down the line to Glasgow could be one to watch.
