Barry Ferguson may currently be in charge at Rangers, but it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that he will retain the role beyond the summer. His tenure is nearing its end, especially after the team’s disappointing exit from the Europa League. Rangers managed just a goalless draw at Ibrox against Athletic Club Bilbao, followed by a 2-0 loss in the return leg at San Mamés. With little to play for in the remaining games of the season, Rangers’ focus is already shifting toward next season. Despite being mathematically secure in second place, 15 points behind Celtic and 13 ahead of third-place Hibs, all eyes are now on the club’s future. The big question is whether one of the most successful managers in football history could be at the helm when Rangers begin their campaign with a Champions League qualifier in late July.
In the midst of these uncertainties, the latest news reveals that Rangers are in “productive conversations” with an American consortium looking to take over the club. This potential investment is seen as a necessary move following Rangers’ financial losses of £17.2m last year. Paraag Marathe, the president of the investment arm of 49ers Enterprises, is leading the charge to acquire at least 51% of the club. The need for new capital has never been more pressing, with the club’s finances in a precarious position. Furthermore, the appointment of Kevin Thelwell as head of football operations suggests the 49ers are already making significant decisions behind the scenes. Many believe that the new owners will aim to make a “statement appointment” for the managerial position, sparking speculation about whether Rangers could attract one of the most successful managers in football.
| José Mourinho’s managerial career | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Clubs | Matches | Win % | Trophies |
| Benfica | 11 | 54.55% | Zero |
| União de Leiria | 23 | 52.17% | Zero |
| Porto | 127 | 71.65% | 6 |
| Chelsea | 185 | 67.03% | 6 |
| Internazionale | 108 | 62.04% | 5 |
| Real Madrid | 178 | 71.91% | 3 |
| Chelsea | 136 | 58.82% | 2 |
| Manchester United | 144 | 58.33% | 3 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 86 | 51.16% | Zero |
| Roma | 138 | 49.28% | 1 |
| Fenerbahçe | 50 | 62% | Zero |
| All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt | |||
Reports from TEAMTalk indicate that José Mourinho is among the front-runners for the Rangers managerial role, with the Portuguese tactician reportedly interested in taking over. Mourinho’s recent comments ahead of Fenerbahçe’s Europa League clash at Ibrox hinted at his openness to managing one of Glasgow’s giants, calling the Scottish Premiership “a league of passion.” His current team, Fenerbahçe, were recently eliminated by Rangers in the Europa League and are facing another season without a major trophy, currently second in the Süper Lig, trailing Galatasaray by five points. Despite his struggles at Fenerbahçe, Mourinho’s impressive managerial resume, which includes two Champions League titles and league triumphs in four different countries, makes him a compelling candidate for the Rangers job. His recent success with Roma, winning the Conference League, further enhances his credentials. While some critics, like Barney Ronay, argue that Mourinho’s tactics are outdated, there’s no denying that his arrival would be a massive coup for Rangers, offering a much-needed upgrade on Ferguson’s current stewardship. For fans of Scottish football, a Mourinho appointment would certainly bring excitement and intrigue to the league.
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