Tom English hits out at what Jose Mourinho said about Rangers – ‘Nonsense’
Jose Mourinho refused to rule out becoming Rangers manager in the future ahead of his Europa League defeat on Thursday.
The legendary manager revealed that he would be open to the idea of managing in Scotland ahead of the Gers’ 3-1 Europa League win against his Fenerbahce side on 6 March.
The 49ers Enterprises could make a massive statement if they could manage to work out a deal with the former Chelsea boss once the takeover is completed.
However, the prospect of Mourinho lining up in the dugout for the Govan outfit has been brutally dismissed already ahead of the massive Rangers win in Istanbul.
Mourinho blasted for Rangers comments
Tom English has completely dismissed the claims with laughter, admitting that there is “incredible” possible back stories behind the suggestion, though.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound ahead of the Europa League showdown (6 March, 17:38), he said: “It’s all absolute nonsense. It’s entertaining, it’s a show. It’s a bit of a circus around Mourinho and I would have been in that audience all day long for that.
“It is a show but there is incredible substance behind it, this is one of the great managers of the last 20, 30,40 years of European football. He’s an extraordinary manager.”
Rangers unlikely to appoint Mourinho
The Light Blues board have a major decision on their hands ahead of the new season with Barry Ferguson struggling to banish the demons of the Philippe Clement era domestically.
The domestic gap to Celtic is in no danger of being reduced anytime soon, as they sit 16 points ahead of the Auchenhowie side, who need to appoint a manager that can bridge the margin as quickly as possible.
Despite that, Ferguson was the latest manager to mastermind another huge victory on the European stage on Thursday, so much so that it isn’t a surprise anymore.
| Scottish Premiership | Played | GD | Points |
| 1. Celtic | 29 | +70 | 75 |
| 2. Rangers | 29 | +33 | 59 |
Mourinho would likely relish the job of catching Celtic though, given his vast experience and leadership skills would bring an authority that the Gers have lacked since Steven Gerrard left.
He was in charge when the Bears last won the Scottish Premiership title in the 2020/21 campaign and would bring the feelgood factor back to Govan.
However, the squad is not the same quality as the team that he built at Ibrox and needs major surgery ahead of the new season so he would not be able to immediately change their fortunes.
It will be a major challenge for any manager to revitalise the Gers and take them back to the elite level and overhaul their Glasgow rivals, but it seems that Mourinho will prove to be too expensive, even with the 49ers’ impending takeover.