Pascal Jansen could have got the Rangers job but could now end up at Greek giants Olympiakos following his sacking by Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar.
Now, at the risk of seeming a little ‘glass half full’, we’d recommend Pascal Jansen doesn’t make himself too comfortable in the Olympiakos hotseat, should he replace the under-pressure Carlos Carvalhal at the Karaiskakis Stadium.
Trigger-happy president Evangelos Marinakis would make Roman Abramovic look calm and considered by comparison, former Swansea coach Carvalhal the club’s 13th different permanent manager across the last 10 years.
Janssen, who was under consideration by Rangers in the autumn before the inspired appointment of Philippe Clement, could soon become number 14. Greek publication Sportal reports that Jansen, following his firing by AZ Alkmaar, has met with Marinakis and watched Olympiakos’ youngsters take on Inter Milan in the UEFA Youth League this week.
Interestingly, another one-time Ibrox linked tactician – Barak Bakhar – is reported to be the Dutchman’s big rival for one of European football’s hottest hotseats.
Rangers looked at Pascal Jansen before Eredivisie exit
Jansen, a few months ago, had AZ Alkmaar flying high in the Eredivisie. His status diminished pretty quickly, however, after a disappointing run domestically and an early European exit, AZ falling well short on the continent following last season’s march to the semi finals of the Europa Conference League.
“I have been around the football world long enough that I know this can be part of it,” Jansen told the AZ website following his sudden departure at the start of the year. “It is, of course a shame and disappointing.
“Despite this disappointment, I am proud of my time at the club and the opportunities I have been given here. And above all, I would like to thank my players and staff for the pleasant and intensive cooperation. I wish the club and its people all the best in the future.”
In talks over Olympiakos move
Should he take up the Olympiakos post, Jansen will follow in the footsteps of such luminaries as Marco Silva, Ernesto Valverde, Leonardo Jardim and Carlos Corberan, while hoping to last a damn sight longer than any of them did on Marinakis’ watch.
Rangers, meanwhile, continue to go from strength-to-strength after putting their faith in Clement instead. Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Neil Warnock’s Aberdeen saw Rangers draw level with Old Firm rivals Celtic – albeit only for 24 hours – at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
