Francesco Farioli had made some intriguing comments regarding Scottish football amid links with the vacant manager job at Rangers.
The current Alanyaspor boss is the youngest of his peers in Turkey’s Super Lig, blazing a trail from his Italian homeland which he hopes will take him much further in the years to come. At just 33, Farioli has embarked on a footballing odyssey having effectively been fast tracked by Roberto De Zerbi who is now in place at Premier League Brighton.
In recent days, there has been speculation claiming that amongst a list of other candidates, the Italian has been keen to put his case forward for the job at Ibrox, with the DR reporting:
“J-League-winning Yokohama F. Marinos boss Muscat and ex-Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder have both been linked but are unlikely to make the final cut. Bodo Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen has also distanced himself from the post, while Peter Bosz, Sinisa Mihajlovic and Francesco Farioli are all keen to hold talks with Rangers.”
That comes as Sky Sports published a very interesting piece with the Alanyaspor boss who, seemingly unprompted, made some intriguing comments regarding the Scottish game even if there was no direct mention of Rangers.
On the suggestion of a future UK assignment, he spoke with authority on the passion of British football:
“The atmosphere that is generated in not only the Premier League but the Scottish league too is fascinating. We have many passionate games in Turkey.”
“I will mention the Milan and Rome derby matches in Italy and let me say the Glasgow derby too. I think these games are the best for those stronger feelings.”
At this stage, Michael Beale is the expected successor to Gio van Bronckhorst with more expected on that very soon. Rangers appear to be opting for a safe appointment in terms of what they know and vice-versa but the likes of Farioli would be a bold, exciting prospect. An organised, high pressing 4-2-3-1 would certainly bring life to the Ibrox pitch but an ‘unknown’ Italian at such a young age would bring further pressures at a precarious time on Edmiston Drive.