Italy Appoint Rangers Legend Deemed ‘Not Good Enough’ For Ibrox Role | OneFootball

It really is quite something when a man deemed good enough to manage arguably the most scrutinised national side in the world is not considered good enough for Rangers. Rino Gattuso – a name steeped in footballing passion and intensity – was good enough for Italy. One of the most intense environments in global sport trusted him with their future, but Rangers fans and board somehow did not. There is something in there to be unpacked but we are not quite sure where to begin. Maybe it is style, maybe it is personality, or maybe it is just plain old Rangers snobbery. Whatever the reason, it was not Gattuso who was chosen to lead the Light Blues into the new era.

Instead, Rangers opted for former Southampton boss Russell Martin. A man whose most high-profile managerial success to date is finishing midtable (admittedly winning the playoff) in the Championship with Southampton and then a dire season at St Mary’s in the PL. There is no hate for Martin as such and Rangers fans are prepared to give him a chance, but the contrast between someone of Gattuso’s experience and playing pedigree compared with Martin is absolutely night and day. It is not just about names, but Gattuso had AC Milan, had Napoli, had Valencia. Martin has Swansea and MK Dons.

This comes at a time when Rangers are under serious pressure to stop Celtic’s domestic dominance. The need for a strong figure, a true leader, and someone who can motivate players to give their everything for the badge is more urgent than ever. Gattuso would absolutely have commanded that dressing room. He would have had the respect of every player from day one. And most importantly, he knows Rangers, he loves Rangers, and he would have bled blue for the cause.

Of course, it is always possible that Martin will surprise everyone and bring success back to Ibrox. Stranger things have happened in football and fans will get behind him regardless. But the sense of missed opportunity with Gattuso will linger for a while. A Rangers man rejected by his own club, while they appointed another English lower league boss to try to compete with Brendan Rodgers. Time will tell if it was the right decision, but many in the fanbase are not convinced at all. For more on his national credentials, this piece offers useful insight.