Latest news with #Balague
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
The Real Madrid to Rangers transfer that 'definitely' could be on as another idea spawns from Modric bombshell
Modric to Rangers looks pie in the sky for a number of reasons but could a former Real teammate be on the way? There are about 200,000 reasons (per week) that Luka Modric to Rangers looks like pie in the sky stuff – despite top Spanish journalist Guillen Balague teasing it earlier today. But the man inside that bombshell story reckons a deal for one cast-out Real Madrid teammate could 'definitely' be on. It was claimed by Balague in a BBC column earlier today that Modric was asked the question by Ibrox manager target Davide Ancelotti and 'didn't say no.' Conclusions from that were naturally drawn, but the man who dangled the carrot argues his wider point wasn't to suggest it might actually be on, but to demonstrate the pull that Carlo's son and long-term No .2 could bring with him to Rangers. We caught up with him in the aftermath of the story on everyone's lips and asked a few follow-up questions. And while he knows the astronomical salaries of Real's current squad – Modric alone earns around £200k per week – make any move to Ibrox imminent, there was one who he thought could 'definitely' be an option. Our man Scott McDermott asked about out-of-contract defender Jesus Vallejo, who barely featured last season and is out of contract this summer. And when asked whether he'd be a possibility, Balague said: "Definitely. But he hasn't played at all for Real Madrid and I don't know the level of players Rangers are looking at. "Someone like him would be more likely than Lucas Vazquez, for example. But Lucas is in his 30's so who knows?" Lucas Vazquez, you say? The long-serving utility man was clearly a name on Balague's mind and he touched on the subject when explaining the Modric story that swept the headlines. On Modric, Balague said: "I know Davide asked Luka and he didn't say yes or no. Listen, it's Luka Modric, so it's unlikely. But this is more a point about the capacity Davide Ancelotti has to link up with big names. "Also, there are players he knows who have asked him to take them to Rangers. Now, if they are Real Madrid players - and I'm assuming they are - it would be impossible because some of the wages would be astronomical. "I'm thinking about someone like Lucas Vazquez, for example. You would think the wages for someone like him would make it impossible for Rangers. But it's funny that - knowing what's happening - they're asking Davide." You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
What really happened when Luka Modric was asked about Rangers by Davide Ancelotti from man inside the story
It's the story of the day and Guillem Balague knows for a fact what really happened when Modric was asked about Rangers The sight of Luka Modric at Ibrox next season is highly unlikely. But the man who teased Rangers fans with the very possibility, Guillem Balague, says it tells them just how well connected their prospective new gaffer is. Davide Ancelotti is now clear favourite again to land the gig as Philippe Clement's successor in Govan. The Croatian midfield magician is leaving the Bernabeu for pastures new but it's doubtful that he'll end up in Glasgow. Even so, Balague believes it's an example of Ancelotti's pulling power within the game. That's why Rangers have the Italian at the top of their wanted list this summer ahead of their US takeover by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises. Balague - who is currently writing a book on Aston Villa and their boss Unai Emery, 'Rise of the Villains', says Ancelotti is ready to become one of Europe's top coaches. And the 35-year-old has already impressed Ibrox chiefs with a presentation and vision for the future. But he believes Ibrox chiefs have to move fast if they want to get their man. Record Sport caught up with Balague and quizzed him on the current situation with Rangers and Ancelotti. You've teased the Rangers support by suggesting Modric could end up at Ibrox. How genuine was that? Balague: Everyone will go further with it. But I know Davide asked Luka and he didn't say yes or no. Listen, it's Luka Modric, so it's unlikely. But this is more a point about the capacity Davide Ancelotti has to link up with big names. Also, there are players he knows who have asked him to take them to Rangers. Now, if they are Real Madrid players - and I'm assuming they are - it would be impossible because some of the wages would be astronomical. I'm thinking about someone like Lucas Vazquez, for example. You would think the wages for someone like him would make it impossible for Rangers. But it's funny that - knowing what's happening - they're asking Davide. Where do you expect Modric to go? Balague: The MLS potentially. But he feels he can still do it at Champions League level. Look, he's going to be 40 soon so I don't think he'll have lots of offers. But he doesn't want to go into retirement so he feels it might be too early for the MLS. Does this prove how tight a relationship Modric and Ancelotti Jnr have? Balague: Oh yeah. The Real Madrid players love Davide. They all think that without him, Carlo wouldn't have won as much. David has tried to modernise - and put a little bit of order and foundation - into a club that doesn't normally go for that. It hasn't been easy for him at Real Madrid but he's got it all in his head, in terms of exactly what he wants. His dad has put a culture of work and development into him. I'm doing a book on Emery and Aston Villa and it's like that. Davide wants to work. Could you understand scepticism about Ancelotti initially with people saying he only got jobs because of his dad? Balague: No, not at all. World class players wouldn't accept that. Rangers wouldn't go for someone like that, either. But when someone like Davide comes in with the presentation that he's supposed to have put on, when he talks about so much detail - it's very impressive. He's going to be a top coach, there's no doubt about that. So his first choice of job is going to be very important. But how big a job would Rangers be for his first gig, given the intensity of the Old Firm? Balague: The fact that he's considering it means it doesn't faze him. Davide has seen, heard and experienced as big a noise as Ibrox at Bayern, Napoli, AC Milan, Real Madrid. He wasn't the guy taking the decisions on the touchline but he's felt it. He wanted to leave last summer but it didn't feel right having won everything. But now is his time. How quickly do Rangers need to act if they don't want to risk losing out on him? Balague: Yes, because imagine if you're Davide and you have three clubs wanting you. If Rangers take another week or 10 days, he's going to go in another direction. Timing and momentum in these things are important. It feels like they're on the same wavelength right now so just say yes. If it's one more meeting, let's hope they go for it. It feels close.
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
'He wants...': Major Rangers manager update given as 35 y/o holds 'positive' Ibrox talks amid Luka Modric link
Rangers are hoping to appoint a new manager soon. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rangers are set to hold fresh talks with Davide Ancelotti 'over the next few days' after a fresh report claimed the Italian 'wants to' become the new head coach at Ibrox. According to a new report from highly-respected BBC Columnist Guillem Balague, the 35-year-old ex-Real Madrid assistant manager held fresh talks with Rangers over their managerial vacancy in London last week, and is now hoping to be appointed the 20th permanent manager in the history of the football club. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Barry Ferguson took charge of the club on an interim basis following the sacking of Philippe Clement in February, but was unable to convince the Rangers hierarchy to give him the job on a permanent basis after a series of inconsistent results during his short tenure. The club confirmed last week Ferguson would not be the club's next manager, with the trio of Ancelotti, Steven Gerrard and Russell Martin immediately installed as the leading favourites for the role. The impending takeover from the Andrew Cavenagh-led consortium involving 49ers Enterprises is said to be edging closer to completion, but is said to have slowed down the process of appointing a new manager, though it now appears the Light Blues are closing in on an appointment with the domestic season now at an end. Balague revealed that Ancelotti was approached by the Glasgow giants earlier this month to discuss him being the new manager of Rangers, with the Italian asked to 'outline his vision' for the football club. He adds that there has since been a 'series' of positive conversations with Ancelotti and the club, who has been working at Real Madrid under his father Carlo in recent seasons at the Bernabéu. Could Luke Modric make a sensational move to Rangers this summer? | Getty Images A former player at both AC Milan and Borgomanero, it would be the 35-year-old's first managerial job, having previously assisted his father at Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton. His father has recently been appointed as the new national team coach for Brazil, though his son will not join him in South America, with Ancelotti Jnr hoping to secure his first manager's job this summer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While Cavenagh's Rangers takeover is yet to be fully completed, it is understood that sporting director-in-waiting Kevin Thelwell and the American consortium looking to buy the club are involved in the recruitment process, alongside chief executive Patrick Stewart. In the report, Balague believes the Glasgow giants must act quickly to secure Ancelotti though, with 'three other high-level opportunities' on the horizon for the young coach, adding that they club could miss out on the Italian if a decision isn't reached by the end of the week. Balague has also named Real Madrid and Croatia legend Luka Modric as a potential signing for the club, should Ancelotti get the gig, saying the Italian has 'mentioned the prospect of him being the next Rangers manager to Real [Madrid] players, including 39-year-old midfielder Modric, who is leaving the Spanish giants this summer but has yet to decide on his next move.'
The National
28-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Luka Modric to Rangers? Ancelotti 'sounds out' Real Madrid icon
According to Guillem Balague, writing for BBC Sport, the Ibrox next manager candidate has discussed a sensational move for the Croatia captain. Modric, 39, reportedly did not rule out a remarkable switch to the Scottish Premiership due to his strong relationship with Ancelotti. Balague wrote: "When asked by Davide whether he'd fancy coming to Rangers, he didn't say no." It's further suggested that "other players have also asked Ancelotti to take them to Scotland". Balague states Ancelotti held talks with Rangers officials in London last week and wants to take over at Ibrox this summer. He is set to hold further talks over the position in the near future. Read more: However, Ancelotti also has offers on the table with three other clubs. And Balague claims a decision from Rangers over whether or not to appoint the highly-rated coach is required by the first week of June or the club could miss out on Ancelotti. It's reported Ancelotti has mentioned his prospective move to Ibrox to players at Real Madrid before his exit. Modric is one of those who has been asked over a move to Rangers with the midfielder yet to make a decision on his next move after leaving the La Liga giants. Carlo Ancelotti said of his son's future: "Davide is thinking what to do for the future," he told Sky Sports. "He is in talks with other clubs to try to be the first coach. He knows if he doesn't find another opportunity, he will be here with me." It was initially anticipated that Davide would join his dad as assistant for a duo of World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay next month, although that is no longer the case.
STV News
13-05-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Guillem Balague: Davide Ancelotti is one of the world's most sought-after coaches
Davide Ancelotti, the Real Madrid assistant who is under consideration as next Rangers manager, is one of the most sought-after assistants in world football, according to European football expert Guillem Balague. News emerged on Monday that Ancelotti, the son of outgoing Real Madrid manager and five-times Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti, is one of the names being considered by the American consortium who are expected to complete a takeover at Ibrox next month. The 35-year-old has built up a wealth of coaching experience working alongside his dad for almost a decade, and is ready to take on a team of his own. There has been no shortage of offers, according to Balague, who has followed his career closely so far, but the Italian is determined to be careful and pick the right club to launch his managerial career. Whoever persuades Ancelotti to sign on the dotted line will be landing a coach who has plenty of admirers and is expected to go far in the game. 'I would say he is one of the best coveted or most sought after assistants in the world to be converted into a number one,' Balague told STV. 'Because, of course, having been with Carlo Ancelotti as his assistant in different levels at Bayern Munich first, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid, he's got a lot of experience. But what has happened, especially in the last two years at Real Madrid, is that he's actually become what you can say is a first team head coach, while Carlo Ancelotti was the manager. 'So Carlo chose the starting eleven. He basically tried to balance the egos and didn't fully work this season. But Davide was the one put in the work every day.' SNS Group Davide Ancelotti has worked alongside dad Carlo at top clubs across Europe. Balague says Ancelotti Jnr was the man who took care of 'the individual work, of the collective work or the tactics and so on', while his father looked at the bigger picture and man-management, and his work didn't go unnoticed. That has led to offers already, and Rangers are only one of a number of teams across the continent who have their eye on him. 'Last summer, Sevilla approached him and he felt it wasn't the right time,' Balague explained. 'Also, Brazil approached both Carlo and Davide and they both said, 'No, it just doesn't feel right', having won everything with Real Madrid. 'What I know for sure is that as it stands right now, despite all the offers that Davide's getting, his first choice at the moment, unless something nice, as he says, comes out and convinces him otherwise, he will join Carlo Ancelotti with Brazil. So that's as it stands from this moment. 'I'm pretty sure that if somebody convinces Davide, with Como or Rangers or any of the other offers he's got, he's mostly attracted about going to the Premier League. He even considered six months back the Championship. But the kind of offers that he's getting at the moment means that he actually wants a first division side. 'If that happens, then I think and say goodbye to Carlo. He's ready to be number one. So you're getting, teams that are in Serie A, that are in La Liga, and, you know, the Rangers interest is obvious.' The Spanish journalist said that those around the coach say that he will need to be convinced that it's the right project and challenge, even if they are 'really good offers from really good teams'. While the possibility remains that Davide will remain in Brazil with Carlo, any team that does manager to persuade him to strike out on his own will be getting someone who is ready to take on new responsibility. 'Davide knows football, understands football, explains it very well,' Balague said. 'He knows his role in the coaching staff that he's had from being the third assistant or the fourth assistant to Bayern Munich, to actually be the head coach with Real Madrid, which tells you that this is not just the son having the luck on his side but somebody that knows what he's doing. 'I've spoken to him a couple of times with him and he's been very, very respectful. Sometimes you get in the biggest clubs, a different kind of attitude, but in the case of Davide, he's humble and liked by everyone at the club. And as I said, very ready. 'He's been ready now for months to jump as a number one. 'He certainly feels that, that he's gathered since 2016. enough information, experiences, mistakes, things that he's changed in the way that Carlo Ancelotti was working. That suggests that he can actually now go into the next thing.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
