Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho reckons Rangers will be a different animal under Barry Ferguson in the Europa League.
Mourinho landed a blow on the outgoing Philippe Clement after comments the ex-Rangers boss made about the legendary Portuguese manager’s ‘defensive’ style.
Clement claimed Mourinho’s tactics are not his ‘personal preference’ just days before he was sacked by Rangers following the shock defeat to St Mirren.
But whilst Mourinho swatted away talk of ‘what’s his name?’, Barry Ferguson has been nothing but complimentary when it comes to the Fenerbahce gaffer.
Barry Ferguson disagrees with Philippe Clement on Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho reckons Rangers will be ‘more difficult’ with Barry Ferguson at the helm due to Philippe Clement’s heavy focus on ‘philosophy’.
The 62-year-old ex-Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid manager insists that on-pitch pragmatism makes Rangers more unpredictable under their former captain.
Barry Ferguson has also been speaking about what to expect from Jose Mourinho and rates the coach as a ‘top-class manager’.
But what’s more, the interim Rangers manager has flat-out disagreed with predecessor Philippe Clement when it comes to the Portuguese’s style.
Ferguson is braced for an attacking Fenerbahce side stuffed full of quality and has briefed his team as such.
”Yeah, well, they play a certain way and I know a lot of people say he’s a defensive coach, but he’s a top coach also,” Ferguson explained ahead of the Europa League clash in Istanbul.
”He knows how to set up teams and the way that they play. We’ve watched it, as I said, we’ve watched probably ten games over the last four days and I don’t see it, I don’t see the way his team play as a defensive team.
“I think that with so many attack-minded teams, whether it’s Tadic, Dzeko, the two wing-backs are really forward-thinking as well. The midfielders are good on the ball, they make aggressive passes. So, yeah, we’re expecting, I’m expecting a tough game. The players know that as well.”
Rangers to face ‘top-class manager’ in Fenerbahce boss
Barry Ferguson was also asked his own personal opinion on Jose Mourinho and it’s clear the Rangers manager rates the ex-Porto boss.
“In terms of Jose Mourinho, yeah, well, it’s easy to say,” said Ferguson. “He’s a top-class manager.
“He’s won, I think, 26 titles. Titles in Portugal, England, Italy. So, yeah, in my opinion, top-class manager and I’m really looking forward to coming up against him.”
When asked specifically about Philippe Clement’s comments on Jose Mourinho, Ferguson answered diplomatically.
”That’s up to other people to decide what they’re think of Mourinho,” said Clement. “He’s a top-class manager and he’s won so many titles and he’s managed at so many top teams.”
