Rafa Benitez remains in the mix to become Rangers’ next manager as the Scottish giants look to make a high-profile appointment.
The former Newcastle United boss shut down retirement talk last month after appearing as a TV pundit. Benitez, now 64, has been out of work since he was sacked as Celta Vigo head coach last year.
Rangers sacked manager Phillipe Clement last month and appointed former midfielder Barry Ferguson as interim manager until the end of the season. Reports suggest that the San Francisco 49ers backed consortium who are looking to buy the Glasgow outfit are considering Benitez as the Light Blues’ next permanent manager.
That theory was backed up by Rangers legend and media pundit Ally McCoist. Speaking to Football Insider, McCoist – a former Rangers manager himself – shared who he has heard linked with the Ibrox hotseat.
“One of the names I’ve heard is Rafa Benitez,” McCoist said. “He’s indicated an interest to get back into the game, but I think he wants the Premier League. It goes without saying that the Rangers job would interest someone like Rafa.”
McCoist added: “The other one I’ve heard is Steven Gerrard coming back. He’s out of work, but I’m not sure what his current situation is. I think one of the slight problems might be would be him having to stay out of the country for tax reasons.
“Another one who interested me was Kevin Muscat, with his team currently trying to get into the Asian Champions League, but they’re struggling a little bit. He’s been very successful, having won a League Cup double in China.”
Ferguson’s first game in caretaker charge ended in a defeat against Motherwell but he then led the Light Blues to a stunning 3-1 win over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday. It was a tactical masterclass from the ex-Alloa boss on his debut on the European stage as a manager, and saw his odds shorten to 5-1 on getting the job permanently. Steven Gerrard remains favourite, with Russell Martin just behind him and Benitez is 10-1.
Benitez left Newcastle in the summer of 2019. having led the Magpies for three years. Having been unable to keep Newcastle in the Premier League after joining with 12 games left of the 2015/16 season, Benitez went on to become one of the most popular bosses at St James’ Park over the next three seasons, leading United back to the top flight and then establishing them as a solid, Premier League outfit under the tight reign of Mike Ashley.
The Spaniard has been out of football management since leaving Celta Vigo last year, a role which saw him sacked after achieving just five wins from 28 games. The vastly experienced coach, however, has revealed he has no intentions of retiring and is already preparing for his next job, having almost joined Brazilian side Botafogo last month.
“Yes, it was very close. I had a very good conversation with the owner and also the director of football,” revealed Benitez. “They impressed me because they were very ambitious. But it was too far away.
“Then you have to analyse all the details, and my family is here. I was very happy with the approach because I liked the way that they approached. Very professional. And the ideas were very good.
“I have had a lot of offers during the year. But I was always waiting for the Premier League because it’s the league that I like. You have to choose the right opportunity and hopefully it will come soon.”
“I have had a lot of offers during the year. But I was always waiting for the Premier League because it’s the league that I like. You have to choose the right opportunity and hopefully, it will come soon.”
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rafa-benitez-indicated-interest-rangers-31149225
