Rangers Football Club finds itself at a pivotal juncture, both on and off the pitch. They finished eighth in the group-phase table of the Europa League, securing their position in the last-16 draw where they will face Turkish Super Lig team Fenerbahce. The first leg of this much-anticipated tie is scheduled for March 6 in Istanbul. Philippe Clement, the manager of Rangers, has described the Europa League draw as "exciting," signaling his eagerness to lead the team against formidable opponents.
Clement has never managed against Jose Mourinho, whose tactical style he has expressed reservations about. Despite this, he approaches the upcoming matches with optimism, stating:
"It's an exciting two games, that everybody is looking forward to."
Beyond the field, Rangers are engaged in advanced discussions concerning a substantial multi-million dollar investment with a group that includes Paraag Marathe. Marathe, known for his roles as president of 49ers Enterprises and chair of Leeds United, could bring significant financial clout to the club. This potential change in ownership follows a surprising Scottish Cup defeat to Queen's Park, which intensified scrutiny over Clement's position.
Clement, however, remains unfazed by these developments. He has given no thought to his future at Rangers should the club undergo an ownership transition. Instead, he remains focused on his managerial duties and the upcoming Europa League fixtures. His approach to the game is distinct, as he prefers a more offensive style than that of some of his contemporaries. Clement articulated his personal coaching philosophy by saying:
"Personally, I prefer more the managers who go full in their attacking force and playing out of that, but incredible respect in the way he did it. That's just a personal preference."
Despite the pressure following their cup exit, Rangers' chief executive Patrick Stewart has offered his support to Clement. The backing from Stewart comes at a crucial time when fan expectations are high, and the team is gearing up for challenging encounters. The prospect of new investment could potentially reshape the club's future, providing a fresh impetus to compete at higher levels.
The draw against Fenerbahce offers Rangers an opportunity to prove their mettle on a European stage. The second leg of this tie will follow after the first, providing Rangers with a chance to strategize and possibly overturn any deficits they may face in Istanbul.
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