Rafael Benitez is one name reportedly on the lips of Rangers’ would-be US owners with the Gers on the brink of an Ibrox takeover.
The former Valencia, Liverpool and Real Madrid gaffer is one of the most high-profile out of work managers around ever since leaving Celta Vigo last year.
Reports have suggested that those leading the Rangers takeover have discussed Benitez as a potential solution to the club’s issues in the managerial position.
But should Rangers make any interest in Rafael Benitez concrete, it wouldn’t be the first time the legendary 64-year-old manager has taken charge of a team at Ibrox.
Rafael Benitez’s thumping win at Ibrox
During Rafael Benitez’s time at Liverpool, the Spanish manager took a star-studded Reds team to Ibrox for a pre-season friendly.
Back in August 2008, Benitez pitted his wits against legendary Rangers manager Walter Smith and recorded a resounding 4-0 pre-season friendly victory in Glasgow.
Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard was also involved as 50k Gers fans watched a talented Liverpool team run riot at Ibrox.
Fernando Torres opened the scoring in the match during a tight first half but in the second period the Gers went on to unravel.
David N’Gog scored his first goal in a Liverpool jersey before Youssi Benayoun made it three just minutes later.
Xabi Alonso would complete the rout with a 70th minute penalty with Rafael Benitez leaving Glasgow a comfortable winner with Liverpool.
Rangers team: McGregor, Weir, Papac, Hemdani, Thomson, Novo, McCulloch, Miller, Broadfoot, Lafferty, Whittaker
Subs: Alexander, Boyd, Adam, Darcheville, Webster, Dailly, Bougherra, Velicka, Furman
Liverpool team: Cavalieri, Dossena, Skrtel, Keane, Gerrard, Torres, Plessis, Benayoun, Arbeloa, Kuyt, Carragher
Subs: Reina, Hyypia, Agger, Darby, Alonso, Pennant, Spearing, Meneth, Ngog, Insua
Next Rangers manager race heats up
Rafael Benitez might be the most headline-grabbing name to be linked to the Rangers manager’s gig this week.
But the former Liverpool manager isn’t the only name doing the rounds as Rangers fans already start looking towards next season.
Barry Ferguson and his interim team have a lot of convincing to do as they look to win over the incoming Rangers investors and the club’s fans.
Steven Gerrard remains one name prominently mentioned, whilst the likes of Sean Dyche, Russell Martin and David Wagner are also potential options.
Kevin Muscat and Derek McInnes are also never far from the discussion either but there has been one more interesting name dropped into the mix this week.
Jose Mourinho refused to ruled out taking the Rangers job in the future, the Portuguese manager a famous old adversary of Rafael Benitez.
But there are pundits in England who reckon Jose is bluffing with the Fenerbahce manager currently in situ in Istanbul.
