AliousBrian Laudrup Backs Barry Ferguson’s Bid for Rangers Manager Role Ahead of Key Europa League Class
Rangers legend Brian Laudrup is set to return to Ibrox on Thursday night to publicly support Barry Ferguson’s push to become the club’s permanent manager. In an exclusive interview with *Record Sport*, the Hall of Famer revealed he will travel to Glasgow specifically to stand behind Ferguson and his coaching team as they prepare for the crucial second-leg Europa League encounter against José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
The 56-year-old believes Ferguson has a strong chance of securing the managerial role on a long-term basis—provided he can guide Rangers past Mourinho’s side into the quarter-finals and deliver a competitive performance in Sunday’s Old Firm derby at Celtic Park. Laudrup also feels Ferguson, along with his assistants Neil McCann, Billy Dodds, and Allan McGregor, could be the key figures in restoring the club’s lost identity after several disappointing years under previous managers Michael Beale and Philippe Clement.
“When I first joined Rangers, there were so many Scottish players with strong personalities,” Laudrup said. “Maybe that’s something that has been missing recently—a real Scottish backbone in the team, with players who truly understand what it means to play for this club. We haven’t always seen that kind of leadership in this squad.”
Backing Ferguson for the Future
Laudrup views Ferguson’s appointment, even on an interim basis, as a step toward a brighter future for the club. While acknowledging the short-term impact, he is even more intrigued by what Ferguson could bring in the long run.
“That’s one of the main reasons I’m coming over on Thursday,” he explained. “Of course, it’s always fantastic to return to Ibrox, but this time it’s about showing my commitment and support to Barry Ferguson. He needs that right now.”
Laudrup praised both the club’s decision to bring in Ferguson and the courage of Ferguson and his coaching staff for stepping up during a challenging period. “It was a bold move from Rangers, but also incredibly brave from Barry and his team. This could go completely wrong—but at least they are taking the chance and trying. That’s why I feel the need to be there, to show them that we are behind them and hoping they get it right in such a crucial moment. Then, we’ll see what happens next season.”
Confident in Rangers’ European Journey
Laudrup remains optimistic about Rangers’ chances of finishing the job against Fenerbahce, especially after their impressive 3-1 victory in the first leg in Istanbul. He believes Ferguson is the right leader to take the team further into the competition—just as another former Rangers player, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, did when he led the club to the Europa League final in Seville three years ago.
“Even though we’re late in the season, there’s still a chance for something special,” Laudrup said. “The Europa League is wide open, and we’ve seen Rangers reach a final before—so why not again? There’s a lot at stake, and I’m fully behind Barry and his management team. That’s why I’ll be at Ibrox on Thursday night to show my support.”
A Season of Contrasts**
Laudrup acknowledged that Rangers’ season has been inconsistent, marked by highs and lows. However, he pointed out that despite domestic struggles—including their early exit from the Scottish Cup and their inability to apply sustained pressure on Celtic in the league—the team has delivered outstanding performances in Europe.
“This season has been a real rollercoaster for both former players and the fans,” he admitted. “But one thing is clear—Rangers have stepped up in European competition. That’s the one area where they’ve truly impressed. Their performance in the first leg against Fenerbahce was absolutely sensational.”
Still, he remains puzzled by the stark contrast between Rangers’ European form and their lackluster domestic performances. “It’s difficult to understand how they can perform so well in Europe yet struggle so much in the league. That’s been one of the biggest mysteries of the season.”
Regardless, Laudrup is eager to see how the team responds to the challenge on Thursday night. “I’ll be there, and it’s going to be fantastic. Hopefully, Barry and his staff can lead the team through to the next round, because right now, that would mean everything to Rangers Football Club.”
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