Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho open to managing Rangers or Celtic in future

Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho has not ruled out managing one of the Glasgow giants in the future.

The 62-year-old is preparing for Thursday’s Europa League last-16 first leg in Istanbul against Rangers, who have interim manager Barry Ferguson in charge following the sacking of Philippe Clement last month.

Mourinho, whose Porto side beat Celtic after extra time in the 2003 UEFA Cup final to secure his first European trophy, took some of his coaching badges in Ayrshire in the 1990s.

Asked if plying his trade in Glasgow appealed to him, the former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Tottenham boss said: “In this moment, no, because I have a job that motivates me and a job that demands loyalty.

“But why not in the future? People can say that the Scottish League is a league of two teams, but it’s a league of passion.

“For me, passion in football is everything. For me, to play in empty stadiums, to play in competitions where there is not that fire of the passion doesn’t make any sense.

“Celtic and Rangers, they are big clubs with big fan-bases, with big emotions, big responsibilities, big expectations. Why not?

“But in this moment, I have a job. Celtic has a fantastic coach like Brendan (Rodgers). Rangers has Ferguson now, so full respect for them and I’m not searching for a new job.”

Clement was in charge of Rangers when the last-16 draw was made and remarked that he was not a fan of Mourinho’s style of play.

Philippe Clement looks serious at a match

Mourinho refused to comment on former Rangers boss Philippe Clement (Andrew Milligan/PA)

On hearing the Belgian’s name in a question, the 62-year-old said: “I’m not going to comment on… what’s his name? Philippe Clement. I’m not going to answer.”