The German boss has been axed by RB Leipzig - but could still attract attention from Rangers incoming owners
12:48, 30 Mar 2025
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Marco Rose has been shown the door by RB Leipzig – sending the next Rangers manager rumour mill into overdrive.
Barry Ferguson has impressed since he stepped into the Ibrox hot seat on an interim basis - inspiring a fight-back against Dundee on Saturday in a Dens Park thriller.
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His latest triumph has only helped his chances of landing the job permanently - having already seen off Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce to reach the Europa League quarter-final and beating Celtic on their own turf.
But it will be American tycoon Andrew Cavenagh - who is the driving force behind the Rangers takeover - and 49ers Enterprises that will have a big call to make over the job in the summer once consortium are at the Ibrox helm.
And multiple reports have put his name forward as one the incoming chiefs are considering, with 49ers Enterprises holding a strong connection with Red Bull - who have a significant investment in Leeds.
Rose is now out of work after defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach leaves Leipzig on the back foot in the race for the Champions League spots - now sitting three points behind Mainz who have played a game less.
After the decision, some Light Blues' diehards immediately started speculating over an imminent arrival in Glasgow. One posted to X: "Sacked Marco Rose to be next Rangers manager? I could see it."
Another added: "You can see why the 49ers might favour him." A punter chimed on the 33/1 shot with the bookmakers: "Watch the odds tumble now."
Rose already has experience of the Glasgow cauldron - having taken his Borussia Dortmund side to Ibrox when they faced Rangers in the Europa League in 2022.
Gio van Bronckhorst's team eliminated them over two legs on their route to the final in Seville - but despite defeat Rose left with a positive impression of the atmosphere.
He said after the 2-2 draw that sent his side crashing out of the competition: “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."
And having faced off against Celtic on multiple occasions in recent years he knows exactly the assignment he would face in dethroning the Hoops.
He lead Salzburg to victories both home and away in 2018 before making the move to Dortmund - and he would face the Ange Postecoglou's Hoops in 2022 as Leipzig boss.
RB Leipzig Manager Marco Rose at Celtic Park
RB Leipzig Manager Marco Rose at Celtic Park(Image: SNS Group)
Speaking about the intense surroundings his side would face at Celtic Park, he said: "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.
"I have played against Rangers when I was at Dortmund and won against Celtic with Salzburg. That was against Brendan Rodgers so you can't really take anything away from that.
"It's a new game, a new strategy and new players. But we have to realise it's an excellent stadium with amazing fans and a great atmosphere."
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This season he suffered Champions League defeat to Brendan Rodgers' men - and now knows exactly what he is in for should he go head-to-head with the Irishman in the Scottish Premiership.
He said after the 3-1 defeat: "So 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."
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