Mourinho’s Warning to Rangers: “It’s Not Over Yet”
In a night marked by tension and candid post-match remarks, Jose Mourinho urged Rangers to temper their excitement despite Fenerbahce’s 3-1 defeat in Istanbul. While the Turkish side struggled on the pitch, their Portuguese manager offered a sharp critique, insisting that the Scottish club avoid celebrating too soon because the Europa League contest is far from over. Despite conceding three times, Mourinho emphasized that the setback could have been heavier, pointing to two disallowed Rangers goals that underscored the visitors’ lethal counterattacks—Rangers, in their last nine away European fixtures, have now secured seven victories, underlining their growing prowess on foreign soil.
Barry Ferguson, managing only his third match as Rangers’ interim head coach, watched his team continue their remarkable away form. They struck early when Cyriel Dessers capitalized on a defensive lapse, though two additional Dessers goals were ruled out via VAR. Ultimately, a Vaclav Cerny brace proved decisive. The visitors remain somewhat unpredictable in domestic competition—currently fourth in the Scottish Premiership, just four points off second place—but their latest European success suggests they could soon be sealing a quarter-final spot against either Roma or Athletic Bilbao.
Mourinho, a two-time Europa League winner, refuses to concede, highlighting that his wealth of experience can still spark a comeback in the second leg. From Ferguson’s vantage point, a tactical switch to a back three offered critical defensive stability and quick counters that rattled Fenerbahce early on. Both Cerny and Dessers praised the result as a significant psychological boost, reinforcing a collective mentality that has served Rangers well on the road. Yet, Ferguson remains cautious, pointing to Rangers’ struggles at Ibrox this season, hinting that consistency on home turf is vital for truly turning the tide in Europe.
Though the scoreboard favors the Scottish side, Mourinho’s assurance that “it’s not over” resonates strongly, especially given his track record of overturning deficits in knockout rounds. The final act of this compelling tie will unfold when Rangers host the Turkish giants in Glasgow, leaving fans on both sides eagerly anticipating whether Mourinho’s warning will ring true or if Rangers can capitalize on their two-goal advantage.
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