Marco Rose has been dismissed by RB Leipzig, sparking speculation that he could become the next Rangers manager.
Barry Ferguson has impressed as interim boss at Ibrox, leading a remarkable comeback against Dundee at Dens Park and boosting his chances of securing the job permanently. His credentials have been further enhanced after guiding Rangers past Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce to the Europa League quarter-finals and defeating Celtic at Parkhead.
However, the decision over the next permanent manager will ultimately fall to American investor Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, who are leading the Rangers takeover. Multiple reports suggest that Rose is a name under consideration by the incoming hierarchy, given 49ers Enterprises’ strong ties with Red Bull, which holds a significant stake in Leeds United.
Rose’s sacking follows Leipzig’s defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach, which left them trailing Mainz by three points in the race for a Champions League spot, with Mainz having a game in hand. Following the news, some Rangers supporters took to social media to speculate about Rose’s potential arrival in Glasgow. One fan posted on X: “Sacked Marco Rose to be next Rangers manager? I could see it.” Another commented: “You can see why the 49ers might favour him,” while a punter noted: “Watch the odds tumble now,” referencing his 33/1 odds with bookmakers.
Rose is no stranger to the Glasgow football scene. As Borussia Dortmund manager, he faced Rangers in the Europa League in 2022, where Gio van Bronckhorst’s side knocked out Dortmund on their way to the final in Seville. Despite the disappointment, Rose was impressed by the Ibrox atmosphere, remarking after the 2-2 draw: “Atmosphere makes football. We had to adopt the mood because it helps the opponent – and we didn’t absorb it. But it can be really fun to play here.”
He is also familiar with Celtic, having led Salzburg to home and away victories over the Hoops in 2018 before taking charge at Dortmund. As Leipzig boss in 2022, Rose encountered Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic in the Champions League and acknowledged the intense atmosphere at Celtic Park, stating: “We have a wonderful stadium here and fantastic fans and amazing atmosphere but we also have the impression that the fans are knowledgeable and know when they have a powerful opponent and when to push their team on.”
Rose also experienced Champions League defeat to Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic this season, gaining a clear understanding of the challenges that come with managing in Scotland. After the 3-1 defeat, he admitted: “We knew about the quality of Celtic, [their] possession game is top, really good and fast players. We saw today all what we expected. The first five minutes showed everything [in terms of] what they tried to play.”
With Rose now available and the 49ers Enterprises’ connections to Red Bull, the German coach remains a name to watch as Rangers’ managerial search unfolds.
