Julen Lopetegui makes decision on Rangers manager job after being first choice for Ibrox
Julen Lopetegui declined the opportunity for talks with Rangers regarding their vacant manager position, according to TEAMTalk.
The website reported (15 October) that the former Wolves and Sevilla boss was a “top target” for the Gers, but rejected discussions with the club.
Rangers announced on Sunday (15 October) that Philippe Clement had filled the role after extensive discussions with multiple candidates.
Optimistic
Lopetegui could have been a shrewd appointment from the Rangers hierarchy. His sudden exit from Wolves just before the start of the Premier League season was a surprise, but his spell at Molineux saw the club avoid relegation despite joining when they were bottom of the league.
His past success also left him with a strong enough reputation to make him a viable option for Rangers. A Europa League win with Sevilla and two European championships with Spain’s under-19s and under-21s shows the Spaniard knows how to win.
However, the fact he outright rejected the chance to even hear the club out regarding the job is likely a reflection of the task at hand for the new boss. Per The Athletic (29 September) Lopetegui left Wolves due to their inability to “attack the top half” of the table after he saved them from relegation.
He is clearly an ambitious boss, but his desire to remain in the Premier League was possibly a big factor for him to decline talks.
While ambitious, perhaps not ambitious enough to take on the vast project at Ibrox. As Beale discovered first-hand, results are needed fast. With a squad of unsettled and underperforming players and the heavy weight of fan frustration, Lopetegui perhaps wants a less risky return to management.
Rangers have their new boss with Clement after a two-week search for a new manager, but Lopetegui could have proved a fascinating appointment.
In other Rangers news, Steven Davis could be binned off a new Gers boss if