McCoist Exclusive: Rafa Benitez interested in Rangers job after Barry Ferguson
Ally McCoist has backed Rafa Benitez to become Barry Ferguson’s success as Rangers manager despite his recent comments.
The Gers are currently without a permanent manager, with Ferguson, who has endured a rocky start at Rangers, in charge until the end of the season, and McCoist told Football Insider that Benitez would be interested this summer.
A takeover at Ibrox is likely to bring about a summer of change for the Light Blues, with the manager likely to be one of the first items on the agenda for prospective new owners, 49ers Enterprises.
Patrick Stewart finally pulled the trigger on Philippe Clement, with fans raging after Rangers lost to Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup, and another shock defeat to St Mirren sealed his fate.
Rafa Benitez being discussed as potential new Rangers manager
Sources close to Ibrox, according to Chronicle Live [5 March], report that the former Liverpool and Newcastle boss is being discussed as one of the preferred candidates to take over ahead of next season.
Benitez has been out of work since March 2024, having parted ways with La Liga side Celta Vigo, just two years after leaving Everton in the Premier League.
And speaking recently about his next adventure in the world of management, he said: “I have had a lot of offers during the year. But I was always waiting for the Premier League because it’s the league that I like. You have to choose the right opportunity and hopefully, it will come soon.”
While Rangers are only competing in the Scottish Premiership, and rather miserably as Celtic stroll towards another league title, there is now plenty of excitement building at Ibrox.
McCoist told Football Insider that Brendan Rodgers might be tempted to leave Celtic, but a battle with Benitez could be the perfect reason to stay in Scotland.
| Scottish Premiership standings | Points |
| 1. Celtic | 75 |
| 2. Rangers | 59 |
49ers Enterprises need experienced manager to spearhead new Rangers era
49ers Enterprises takeover means a new era is about to begin in Glasgow, and that could certainly tempt a manager of Benitez’s calibre and talent to cross the border, at least McCoist thinks so.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, with talkSPORT BET, McCoist said:
“One of the names I’ve heard is Rafa Benitez. He’s indicated an interest to get back into the game, but I think he wants the Premier League.
“It goes without saying that the Rangers job would interest someone like Rafa.”
Benitez is a much-loved figure around the world, boasting spells with Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid, and he could finally come to Scotland.