For what itâs worth!
Rangers hold discussions with ex-Ajax boss Francesco Farioli
By Stephen McGowanSports writer at large
@mcgowan_stephen
Rangers have held discussions with former Ajax coach Francesco Farioli over the Ibrox managerâs post.
The 36-year-old Italian resigned from the Dutch giants after an end of season collapse saw a nine point lead whittled away, PSV Eindhoven claiming the Eredivisie crown.
Despite dragging the former European champions up from a fifth place finish and securing Champions League football an emotional Farioli quit blaming a difference in âvisions and timeframesâ from the Ajax board. Technical director Alex Kroes branded his departure âincredibly disappointing.â
Farioli spoke to Rangers before the appointment of Michael Beale in November 2022. And, as the club continue the search for a permanent successor to Philippe Clement, Herald Sport understands that the former Nice and Alanyaspor coach was sounded out again last week.
Linked with the Roma and Atalanta jobs back in his native land the former goalkeeping coach, a graduate in philosophy and sports science, regards former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi as his coach mentor and claims his next role will focus on âhow things are doneâ.
âThereâs a lot of speculation, a lot of rumours,â he said. âBut I do want to get back into coaching. Just like it was with Ajax, I donât care about the brand or the size of the club. What matters to me is how things are done, and last summer Ajax was exactly what I was looking for.
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âIt was the right step for my career, and now weâll see what comes next. Weâll see if and when that opportunity arrives.
âIâm a very demanding person. Before I join a club, I lay all my strengths and weaknesses on the table. âDemandingâ is probably the best word to describe me. I want to find a club thatâs willing to fight alongside me.â
Speculation over the Rangers role has centred so far on Davide Ancelotti, Steven Gerrard and Russell Martin. The club have also spoken to former Feyenoord boss Brian Priske.
Former Ibrox chairman Dave King believes Gerrard is the âobvious choiceâto return to the club he managed between 2018 and 2021, claiming he has âunfinished businessâ in Glasgow.
Despite Kingâs endorsement the Liverpool legend is reported to be on the cusp of bowing out of the race after making a âlifestyle choiceâ to remain in the middle east for another year.
Chief Executive Patrick Stewart is leading the search for a new manager, with sporting director Kevin Thelwell and Gretar Steinsson of the San Francisco 49ers whittling through the list of available candidates.