Former Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun, has hailed Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho as he prepares to face the Portuguese in Rangers' UEFA Europa League round of 16 first leg.

The match scheduled to be played in Istanbul on Thursday will be the second time Balogun will be playing against a Mourinho team.

The 36-year-old first challenged Mourinho when Brighton defeated Manchester United with the Portuguese at the helm of affairs.

Speaking ahead of Thursday's game, Balogun expressed delight that Rangers are away for the first leg.

“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.”

On Mourinho, Balogun stated that he enjoys the press statement the Portuguese usually makes despite how he's perceived to be arrogant.

“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.”

Further speaking, the Nigerian expressed the believe that Rangers can seize the initiative in Istanbul to provide an easy second leg at home.

“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.”

ASA