Rangers ‘met’ with Alanyaspor coach Francesco Farioli before hiring former QPR boss Mick Beale as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Ibrox replacement, according to The Athletic.
Opinion on Beale’s return to the Glasgow goldfish bowl appears to be rather mixed. For all those hailing the return of a coach who played a major role in 2020/21’s Invincibles season alongside Steven Gerrard, there are others who believe an underachieving and stagnating squad may have benefitted from a fresh face and some fresh ideas.
Beale coached the likes of Ryan Jack, Ryan Kent, Glen Kamara and Alfredo Morelos (all currently pale shadows of their former selves) during his first spell at Ibrox.
Better the devil you know? Or an underwhelming, ‘safe’ appointment. In an era where Old Firm rivals Celtic continue to go from strength-to-strength under the hitherto little-known Ange Postecoglou.
Rangers met with Francesco Farioli before Mick Beale’s Ibrox return
Francesco Farioli, 33 years old and with just 18 months in management under his belt, certainly would have been a more ‘left field’ recruit. The Daily Record reported last week that Farioli, who never played football at a senior level and instead started out as a goalkeeping coach in the Italian lower leagues after graduating from university, was keen on the vacant Ibrox post.
Rangers, The Athletic add, also met with Farioli before hiring Beale. A very modern, forward-thinking tactician, comparisons may be drawn with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann. Farioli spoke openly about his admiration for Scottish football last week. He also highlighted the influence of Marcelo Bielsa, Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta on his own style.
“I see many of the same characteristics at Arsenal compared with that of my own team,” Farioli told Sky Sports. “I will also mention Marcelo Bielsa.
“It’s important to build a team of players with passion for what they do. They must enjoy the ball, approach the game in a brave and proactive way. They need to show ambition because our demands are very high.
“I was really taken by Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona team. I loved that style of play.”
Farioli’s Alanyaspor average comfortably the most possession per game in the Turkish Super Lig (61 per cent, WhoScored). That Guardiola influence clear to see.
At just 33, Farioli is likely to re-appear on Rangers’ radar if Beale’s return does not go to plan. Beale put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal on Monday; Rangers triggering the £1 million release clause in his QPR contract.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
