“This is Mourinho” – Rangers Balogun warns teammates about ex-Chelsea coach ahead of Fenerbahce clash

Super Eagles and Rangers defender Leon Aderemi Balogun has warned his teammates about Fenerbahce head coach, Jose Mourinho, ahead of their second-leg UEFA Europa League clash, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Gers head into the home fixture after securing a 3-1 win in Turkey last Thursday, courtesy of a scintillating performance from Cyriel Dessers.

While the record Scottish Champions had this weekend off, Balogun has urged his teammates to perform at their optimal level on Thursday if they’re to reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League.

23/01/2025. Alejandro Garnacho loses the ball to Leon Balogun during the Europa League match between Manchester United and Rangers at Old Trafford, Manchester. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

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After the Fenerbahce game, Rangers take on Celtic in the Old Firm derby on Sunday, but the veteran Nigerian centre-back will not allow the local game to take his eye off the ball ahead of facing a wily character in Mourinho.

“It’s a big week with two perfect fixtures. Obviously, Fenerbahce is first up, and we had a very good result over there, but we’re going against the Special One with some very good players, and I think it’s far from over.

“I can only speak for myself, but it really is like that (one game at a time). I don’t think about the weekend so much. Obviously, it is there, but those games are always big,” the former Mainz defender said in quotes revealed by the Daily Record.

Leon Balogun of Rangers applauds supporters after the final whistle during the William Hill Premiership match at Ibrox Stadium. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

“Right now, the main focus is getting through to the next round in Europe, therefore, we have to focus on Fenerbahce. I’m sorry to be boring!

“It was a really good result and performance. But like I said, this is Mourinho, and I’m sure he will have a few tricks up his sleeve. He wouldn’t have been happy at all after the tie over there, but I think there’s a lot of confidence for us to take, and we can probably up our game in terms of on the ball,” Balogun concluded.

15 January 2025: Pictured: Leon Balogun Rangers heads home to make it 2-0 at Glasgow Ibrox Stadium. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Rangers have been consistent in Europe for the last few years, becoming the only Scottish side to have secured an away win over the last 20 years following their victory in Turkey last week.