GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
After a request to speak with former Wolves and Spain manager Julen Lopetegui was turned down, TEAMtalk has learned that Rangers have suffered yet another setback.
In their search for a new manager to take over for the recently ousted Michael Beale, Rangers are eager to find a top-tier and seasoned leader. However, Lopetegui, the former manager of Real Madrid, rejected their approach.
Since leaving his position at Wolves, Lopetegui has been jobless, but he was considered to take over at Ibrox. The Spanish player is eager to remain in a top league and has also been connected to a position in the extremely lucrative Saudi Pro League.
The Rangers board is eager to hire the best candidate, and according to numerous sources, the club would be searching for applicants with expertise in winning championships and top leagues. The 57-year-old will not be a part of the selection process, though, as Glasgow’s team works to create a shortlist of the best candidates.
The hiring is one of the most significant in Rangers’ history as they attempt to end Celtic’s hegemony and catch up to their neighbors. The club may have a steep hill to climb in order to catch the other half of the Old Firm if they lose out on a 12th title in 13 years and another year without the cash from the Champions League.
The next appointment will be decided by the board, and any further mistakes won’t be tolerated, say the supporters who are also paying attention and speaking out, especially following the team’s dismal start to the domestic season and elimination from the Champions League qualifiers to PSV.
They have been in bad form, losing three of their first seven games, and are presently seven points behind Celtic, the team in first place. Beale lost his job after last weekend’s loss to Aberdeen as a result of his poor performance and recent run of form.
Who is still a contender for the Rangers?
Frank Lampard, the former manager of Chelsea, has been approached and is still in the running for the position, although it is unclear whether the discussions will go any further. On Monday night, AZ boss Pascal Jansen declared himself ineligible for the competition, telling the media: “Links didn’t come from me and there’s no chance it will happen.”
Kjetil Knutsen, manager of Bodo/Glimt, has been a longtime candidate for the position and was taken into consideration during the most recent managerial change at Ibrox. It is acknowledged that Rangers will try to gauge the Norwegian’s interest.
After strong performances in winning the Asian league and the A-League at his previous position with Melbourne Victory, Yokohama manager and former Ger Kevin Muscat has caught the attention of many. Pascal Clement, a former manager of Monaco and Genk, is also a candidate for the position.
After this weekend’s match against St. Mirren, the club will go forward and try to choose a new manager before the forthcoming international break.
