Statement move: 49ers now want to use Red Bull links to hire UCL-level manager for Rangers
Still in search of a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement at the end of Barry Ferguson’s short-term stint this summer, Rangers and the 49ers have reportedly set their sights on an ambitious move.
49ers want to make Rangers statement
Set to arrive in the coming months to complete their takeover, the 49ers have quite the task on their hands at Ibrox. Whilst Rangers’ Europa League progress has showcased just what the current squad is capable of, their struggle to keep up with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership proves that there’s still plenty of work left to be done.
Before they can even think about summer reinforcements, the Gers must find a permanent replacement for Clement. The Belgian was shown the door midway through February and hired Ferguson on an interim basis until the end of the season. And as impressive as the interim boss has been at times, it looks as though Rangers will look elsewhere for a permanent solution.
Names such as Rafael Benitez and even former manager Steven Gerrard have already been mentioned, but the 49ers are seemingly in pursuit of making quite the statement with their choice.
According to Football Insider, the 49ers now want to use their Red Bull links to hire Marco Rose this summer, should the RB Leipzig manager become available. Of course, the new Rangers owners know Red Bull well due to their partnership at Leeds United. Now, they can use their contacts to welcome a Champions League-level manager to Ibrox.
In charge of Leipzig since 2022, Rose has taken the Bundesliga club into the Champions League in his last two seasons, but looks set to miss out this time around with his side sat fifth in Germany’s top flight.
Following a disappointing season, there are some doubts over whether the former Borussia Dortmund manager will still be in charge come August, which could allow Rangers to swoop in.
Rangers should go all out for Rose
If the 49ers are to instantly get fans onside and stand a chance of keeping up with Celtic, then hiring a manager of Rose’s calibre should be their top priority this summer.
The 48-year-old has enjoyed fantastic success in Germany at times, winning both the DFB-Pokal and German Super Cup whilst at RB Leipzig and could now bring that success to Ibrox.
Usually operating with a 4-4-2 formation, it would certainly be interesting to see how Rose approached the current Rangers side. If the Gers manage to keep hold of talents like Hamza Igamane, then he could quickly spearhead a new era under a top manager. Meanwhile, after the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai thrived under the Leipzig manager, Nicolas Raskin could follow suit in Scotland.
That said, there’s still plenty of work to do before Rangers can even think about welcoming Rose into their technical area. Whether the 49ers attempt to lure the German away from his current role or wait for Leipzig’s decision remains to be seen, but if he is available, then they should go all out this summer.
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