- Glasgow Rangers made the significant decision to part ways with Belgian head coach Philippe Clement last month following a series of disappointing performances. The former Club Brugge boss was dismissed after a 2-0 loss to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership, though his exit could have come even earlier after a shock 1-0 defeat to second-tier side Queen’s Park at Ibrox in the SFA Cup.
At the time of his departure, Clement’s team trailed Celtic by 13 points in the league and had already been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, making the decision relatively straightforward for the board. However, instead of immediately appointing a long-term successor, Rangers opted for an interim solution by installing Barry Ferguson as manager until the end of the season.
Meanwhile, a reported takeover of the club is said to have been agreed in principle, with key figures including 49ers Enterprises president Paraag Marathe and health insurance magnate Andrew Cavenagh, executive chairman of ParetoHealth. The delay in appointing a permanent manager may be tied to the incoming ownership, as they are believed to have a specific candidate in mind.
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Rangers Eyeing Champions League Winner
According to the Daily Record, Spanish coach Rafa Benitez has emerged as a target for the 49ers consortium as they search for a permanent replacement for Ferguson ahead of the 2025/26 season. The report suggests the prospective owners are considering the former Liverpool and Everton manager, who famously won the Champions League with the Reds in 2005.
Journalist Scott Burns, speaking on Hotline Live, stated: “It was suggested to me on Saturday that Benitez was one of the options Rangers were looking at. When I say Rangers, I’m told it’s very much the incoming new owners who would be making the decision. I know he has started to explore his options. I was told that Rafa Benitez was someone they planned to talk to. However, I spoke to a colleague close to Benitez and his agent, and they said there had been no contact so far.”
This indicates that the 49ers’ managerial search is still in its early stages, leaving them with ample time to evaluate other candidates before making a final decision.
Why Rangers Should Look Beyond Rafa Benitez
While Benitez’s vast experience—including stints at Real Madrid and Liverpool—would bring significant pedigree to Ibrox, he may not be the ideal candidate for what Rangers need. The club requires a manager who can implement a dominant playing style to challenge Celtic for the league title and compete in cup competitions.
Benitez has not won a top-flight league title since his La Liga triumph with Valencia in 2004, and his last domestic cup victory came in 2012 with Napoli. Moreover, since taking charge of Newcastle in 2016, he has struggled to maintain a high points-per-game record, failing to exceed 1.48 at any of his clubs, including Newcastle, DL Pro, Everton, and Celta Vigo.
Recent analysis from Tifo Football highlights Benitez’s pragmatic and defensive approach, which may not align with Rangers’ need for an attacking, front-foot style of play. Given this, the club should instead target a manager who can instill a more dominant and entertaining brand of football.
Why Russell Martin Could Be the Right Fit
One alternative option is Russell Martin, who was reportedly on Rangers’ managerial shortlist earlier this year, according to Football Insider. The 49ers should strongly consider bringing in the former Scotland international.
Martin is currently available after his departure from Southampton, meaning Rangers would not have to pay compensation to secure his services. The 39-year-old, who had a brief loan spell at Ibrox in 2018, also aligns with the club’s need for an attacking and progressive playing style.
He made a name for himself with MK Dons in League One, implementing a possession-based, front-foot approach. After joining Southampton in the summer of 2023, he guided them to Premier League promotion via the play-offs before being dismissed midway through the current campaign.
Despite his exit, Martin earned widespread praise for his tactical setup. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola once stated he would “learn a lot” from Martin’s style, while Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described him as a “hugely successful” coach whose teams are a “joy to watch.”
Typically deploying an attacking 4-3-3 formation, Martin has the ability to create a system that generates consistent scoring opportunities. His Southampton side was one of the most progressive and attack-minded teams in the Championship, securing promotion with a more impressive points-per-game record than any of Benitez’s teams since 2016.
Although he struggled in the Premier League due to a lack of top-quality players, Rangers operate in a different environment, where they are expected to dominate domestically. This makes Martin’s attacking philosophy a much better fit for the club’s ambitions.
The 49ers Should Prioritize Martin Over Benitez
Considering the trajectory of Benitez’s career and his conservative tactical approach, Rangers should look for a manager who can bring an exciting, proactive style of play to Ibrox. Martin’s proven ability to develop attacking teams, coupled with his availability, makes him a compelling candidate for the role.
The 49ers must now shift their focus away from Benitez and instead work towards securing Martin as the man to lead Rangers into a new era.
