Alious
Former Hearts boss Csaba László believes his old club Ferencváros are poised to be one of the Europa League’s major powerhouses this season — and he predicts Rangers will be powerless to stop them, adding yet another chapter to the Ibrox side’s miserable European campaign.
Under the guidance of Republic of Ireland icon and ex-Celtic striker Robbie Keane, Ferencváros are thriving. Fifteen games into their title defence, the Hungarian champions look formidable domestically and even more impressive in Europe. They currently sit sixth in the Europa League’s expanded 36-team format, having taken notable scalps against Genk, RB Salzburg, and Ludogorets, leaving them in a commanding position to reach the knockout rounds.
László, who recently covered their 1–1 draw with Fenerbahçe, insists the club has the depth and structure to go deep into the tournament — and he does not see Rangers posing any real threat.
According to him, Ferencváros’ squad depth is a major differentiator. He noted that the side which held Fenerbahçe was almost entirely different from the one that later steamrolled Puskás Akadémia, yet both elevens maintained the same high standards. With leaders like captain and Hungary No. 1 Dénes Dibusz, plus midfield additions including Naby Keïta, László says the team is “balanced, professional, and constantly developing.”
He predicts Rangers’ struggles will continue:
“Ferencváros will win. Rangers’ results in Europe are bad — they have one point, and I don’t see that changing.”
He added that Rangers should refocus their energy on the Scottish Premiership, especially as Hearts and Hibs appear to be gathering momentum.
Keane Tipped for a Big Future in Management
Robbie Keane’s managerial stock continues to rise. After claiming the Hungarian title last season within months of taking charge, the former Spurs and Liverpool striker has turned Ferencváros into an energetic, aggressive, and cohesive outfit. László believes Keane combines tactical clarity with the motivational spark of a man who carries a player’s mentality into coaching.
He praised Keane’s impact on the squad, his attacking philosophy, and his ability to get players fighting for results. With Keane having recently entertained the idea of managing Celtic one day, László feels that opportunity — or one like it — is inevitable.
“I’m 100% sure he will get the chance to manage a big club like Celtic in the future,”* he said, confident that Keane’s trajectory only points upward.
Rangers Alerted to the Threat of ‘Extremely Dangerous’ Barnabás Varga
The man expected to cause Rangers the greatest trouble is prolific striker Barnabás Varga, who has amassed 20 goals in 26 appearances for club and country this season. László argues that Rangers and Celtic missed a major opportunity by not signing him earlier.
Varga, he says, is lethal in the air, strong on the ball, and capable of holding up play at an elite level. He believes the 31-year-old could comfortably play in a top European league, having developed unusually late after years at amateur and second-tier levels.
“You can see after five minutes that he has quality,” László stated.
*“Inside the box, with his head, I don’t know if anyone can match him — he is extremely dangerous.”
With Ferencváros boasting quick, powerful wide players and a striker in red-hot form, László predicts clubs will soon come calling for Varga despite his age — perhaps even as early as January.
And if his assessment proves accurate, Rangers could be the next side to fall victim to a Ferencváros team that keeps growing in confidence, depth, and ambition.
Alious
