Rangers hold discussions with ex-Ajax boss Francesco Farioli
The 36-year-old Italian resigned from the Dutch giants after an end of season collapse saw a nine point lead whittled away, PSV Eindhoven claiming the Eredivisie crown.
Despite dragging the former European champions up from a fifth place finish and securing Champions League football an emotional Farioli quit blaming a difference in 'visions and timeframes' from the Ajax board. Technical director Alex Kroes branded his departure 'incredibly disappointing.'
Farioli spoke to Rangers before the appointment of Michael Beale in November 2022. And, as the club continue the search for a permanent successor to Philippe Clement, Herald Sport understands that the former Nice and Alanyaspor coach was sounded out again last week.
Linked with the Roma and Atalanta jobs back in his native land the former goalkeeping coach, a graduate in philosophy and sports science, regards former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi as his coach mentor and claims his next role will focus on 'how things are done'.
'There's a lot of speculation, a lot of rumours,' he said. 'But I do want to get back into coaching. Just like it was with Ajax, I don't care about the brand or the size of the club. What matters to me is how things are done, and last summer Ajax was exactly what I was looking for.
Read more: Dave King delivers verdict on Barry Ferguson's interim spell in charge of Rangers
'It was the right step for my career, and now we'll see what comes next. We'll see if and when that opportunity arrives.
'I'm a very demanding person. Before I join a club, I lay all my strengths and weaknesses on the table. 'Demanding' is probably the best word to describe me. I want to find a club that's willing to fight alongside me.'
Speculation over the Rangers role has centred so far on Davide Ancelotti, Steven Gerrard and Russell Martin. The club have also spoken to former Feyenoord boss Brian Priske.
Former Ibrox chairman Dave King believes Gerrard is the 'obvious choice' to return to the club he managed between 2018 and 2021, claiming he has 'unfinished business' in Glasgow.
Despite King's endorsement the Liverpool legend is reported to be on the cusp of bowing out of the race after making a 'lifestyle choice' to remain in the middle east for another year.
Chief Executive Patrick Stewart is leading the search for a new manager, with sporting director Kevin Thelwell and Gretar Steinsson of the San Francisco 49ers whittling through the list of available candidates.
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