It’s been a few weeks since Barry Ferguson led Rangers to win over Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho in the Europa League.
Ferguson received tactical praise for shifting shape and surprising Fenerbahce in Turkey, with the 3-1 Europa League triumph serving as the foundation for an eventual penalty shootout victory at Ibrox.
Rangers’ focus has already shifted to the Europa League quarterfinals, with Arsenal’s new director disturbing Athletic before their trip to Ibrox.
But, back in Turkey, Jose Mourinho is generating headlines once more, as the Special One is never afraid to stir up controversy wherever he goes.
Jose Mourinho grabs Galatasaray manager’s nose in chaotic derby scenes
Jose Mourinho was in hot trouble in Turkey even before Fenerbahce’s match against Rangers.
Mourinho, the famed Portuguese coach, was suspended and fined after making comments regarding Turkish refereeing during a 0-0 draw with Galatasaray in February.
The situation became heated after Galatasaray accused Mourinho of racist remarks, which the Portuguese categorically denied.
Surprisingly, this all occurred during a game in which the Turkish FA had appointed a Slovenian official to referee the proceedings.
And Galatasaray is once again at the focus of Mourinho’s newest exploits in Turkey, with the former Porto, Chelsea, Inter, and Real Madrid manager entangled in a spat with his counterpart.
Okan Buruk collapsed to the ground when Mourinho seemed to grasp the Galatasaray manager’s nose during a heated Turkish Cup match between the Istanbul heavyweights.
This came after a spectacular match that finished 2-1 for Galatasaray, with both teams receiving two red cards each.
Galatasaray led 2-0 at halftime thanks to a Victor Osimhen double, while Sebastian Szymanski equalised just before the interval.
A furious derby clash then began to overheat in the final minutes of the game, ending in a number of players being removed from a brawl.
The referee eventually handed red cards to numerous players who were not on the pitch of play, including Kerem Demirbay and Baris Alper Yilmaz for Galatasaray and Mert Hakan Yandas for Fenerbahce, who missed the decisive penalty against Rangers.
Brazilian midfielder Fred was then sent off at the conclusion of the game after Davinson Sanchez heroically cleared the ball off the line to avoid Fenerbahce from equalising.
Jose Mourinho open to taking Rangers manager’s job
Jose Mourinho is clearly establishing a name for himself in the Intercontinental Derby, but could he still play in the Old Firm?
Mourinho was asked if he would manage in Scotland ahead of Fenerbahce’s trip to Rangers, and he said he is keeping his options open.
everything.
“For me to play in empty stadiums, to play in competitions where there is not that fire of the passion, for me it doesn’t make any sense.
”Celtic and Rangers they are big clubs with big fan bases, big emotions, big responsibilities, big expectations, why not?
”But in this moment I have a job. Celtic has a fantastic coach like Brendan. Rangers has Ferguson now so full respect to them and I am not searching for a new job.”
Rangers are looking for their 20th permanent manager, with Andy Halliday questioning whether Barry Ferguson will be granted the role full-time.
Rangers are being cryptic about the direction they will take as a US takeover approaches, with the club’s prospective new owners ready to make the decision.
