Lokomotiv Moscow have denied reports suggesting Ralf Rangnick could leave the Russian club and take over at Premier League Newcastle United, as reported by Sport RU.
Rangnick isn’t the sort of guy who bounces from job to job at the drop of a hat.
The 63-year-old recently spent seven seasons at RB Leipzig, helping to drag the taurine-powered Bundesliga club from the depths of the fourth tier and into the Champions League semi-finals.
Rangnick returned to football following a brief hiatus in July too, and it seems unlikely the godfather of gegen press – one of the most influential tacticians in the modern game – would walk away from Lokomotiv Moscow just three months into a three-year contract.
Earlier this week, The Athletic reported the former Schalke and Hoffenheim coach was highly unlikely to take on a role at Newcastle – either as head coach or director of football.
And an official statement from Lokomotiv should see Rangnick’s name finally scrubbed from contention.
Is Ralf Rangnick a non-starter for Newcastle United?
“Information on the departure of Ralf Rangnick isn’t true,” Lokomotiv said.
“Rangnick is a salaried employee (of Lokomotiv),” adds Yuri Belous, the former FC Moscow president giving his two pence-worth in conversation with Sport.
“Considering the Saudis come to Newcastle with billions, it’s clear for Rangnick this project is preferable.
“Can Rangnick just walk away? The club is betting on him (to stay). On his recommendation a new head coach (Dmitri Loskov) was hired. A team is being recruited.
“As I understand it, many things in Lokomotiv are tailored for (Rangnick). But no-one is irreplaceable.”
Newcastle have been linked with another experienced sporting director, former PSG and Porto chief Antero Henrique.
It’s understood that, if Henrique is handed the reins, his “very good friend” Andre Villas-Boas could take Bruce’s place in the St James’ Park dugout.
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