Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun has expressed admiration for Fenerbahce manager José Mourinho as Rangers gear up for their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first-leg clash in Istanbul on Thursday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 36-year-old centre-back believes the Light Blues must raise their performance significantly if they are to overcome the Turkish giants, who are unbeaten in their last 18 matches across all competitions.
Rangers‘ preparation for the European showdown has been far from ideal, with the Scottish side enduring a turbulent spell that led to the sacking of Belgian manager Philippe Clement last week.
Happy Birthday Leon Balogun
1️⃣ League Title
1️⃣ Scottish Cup
1️⃣ #UEL Runner Up pic.twitter.com/AIIBrNckJq
— (@WATP72RFC) June 28, 2022
Their struggles continued at the weekend with a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Motherwell, leaving them 16 points adrift of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Balogun, who was introduced at half-time during the Motherwell loss, admitted the first leg in Turkey presents a chance for redemption.
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“It’s a big opportunity for us on Thursday, playing away,” Balogun told the Belfast Telegraph.
“It might work in our favour that we have the first leg away, especially after recent domestic results, and it could help get the supporters back on our side.”
Super Eagles star Balogun’s respect for Jose Mourinho
Reflecting on facing Mourinho, Balogun recalled their his previous encounter with the former Chelsea boss in the Premier League when his Brighton side defeated Manchester United 3-2 in 2018.
I’m still available to play for Super Eagles — Leon Balogun pic.twitter.com/xoRhkDFQGw
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“I think I’ve only played against Mourinho once. That was my first time in the Premier League, and we beat him (Manchester United) 3-2 at home to Brighton,” Balogun said. “That was a great memory.
“He’s a very, very big character. He’s a very big manager in the world of football, and you have to have a lot of respect for Mourinho. I personally enjoy Mourinho’s press conferences because I think a lot of people call him arrogant.
“Maybe, but I think he’s a very special character. And I think you need a few characters that are not too generic to make football fun. It also gives you (the media) something to write about.”
Despite the tough task ahead, Balogun remains optimistic that Rangers can seize the initiative in Istanbul.
“Fenerbahce away is a big opportunity for us. After what happened at home, playing the first game away and getting the fans back on our side could be beneficial. However, we still need to take at least two big steps from today to get a good result in Istanbul.”
Balogun’s Super Eagles recall hopes
Away from club football, Balogun remains open to a return to the Nigeria national team.
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The defender has consistently stated that he never retired from international duty, and he is eager to represent the Super Eagles again as Nigeria prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.
However, Balogun was left out of the 39-man squad named on Monday by head coach Eric Chelle for the qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, with younger defenders Gabriel Osho, Jordan Torunarigha, Igoh Ogbu, and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi preferred.
Balogun’s experience could yet be called upon in future, but for now, his immediate focus remains on helping Rangers navigate their European challenge in Istanbul.
