Only a “special” offer from Rangers will tempt highly-rated Bodo/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen to become the next manager of the Ibrox club.
The Norwegian manager continues to turn heads around Europe and is on course for a third Eliteserien title in four seasons with the Scandinavian club.
Kjetil Knutsen was mentioned as a potential Rangers target for the manager’s post by leading broadcaster STV with the 55-year-old’s name firmly in the hat for the gig.
But speaking before Rangers sacked Michael Beale this week – and with Kjetil Knutsen routinely linked to manager’s jobs around Europe – the coach is clear he is currently happy at Bodo/Glimt.
Moreover, Knutsen has suggested that it would take something “special” to tempt him away from Norway in the middle of a season.
“I have no other plans than to be at Glimt,” Kjetil Knutsen told De Telegraaf in the Netherlands.
“I have said it many times – and I will say it again – I am having a great time here, period. Right now Bodo are at an incredibly good place for me to be.
“I want to emphasise strongly that it is very difficult for me to drop something in the middle of a season. I would only abandon the team in the middle of a season for a very special challenge.”
Kjetil Knutsen wants “special” challenge amid Rangers links
Whoever comes into Rangers will have to be willing to fully embrace the culture and expectations of the club and if Kjetil Knutsen doesn’t think this opportunity is a “special” one then he’s not the man for the job.
Of course, the Norwegian manager isn’t the only coach being linked to the Rangers job and there are several high profile figures being touted.
Amongst them include Yokohama F Marinos manager Kevin Muscat, AZ Alkmaar boss Pascal Jansen and England legend Frank Lampard.
Rangers legend Steven Davis is to take interim charge of the side in the meantime with the Ibrox Hall of Famer to be assisted by ex-midfielder Alex Rae.
