Paraag Marathe shares big Rangers culture shock that took him by surprise as he opens up on 'next level intensity'
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Marathe was front and centre of 49ers Enterprises high-profile takeover of the Ibrox club last summer alongside Andrew Cavenagh
Rangers vice-chairman Paraag Marathe has revealed what the big differences are between the NFL and being involved in European football - insisting there is a “next level intensity” that caught him by surprise.
49ers Enterprises chief Marathe - a key figurehead in last summer’s high-profile takeover of the Ibrox side alongside chairman Andrew Cavenagh - has remained somewhat in the foreground ever since the deal was completed.
It has been a turbulent season for the Light Blues so far, with the ill-fated appointment of Russell Martin combined with a disastrous summer recruitment drive led by sporting director Kevin Thelwell led just a few months into the 49ers era in Glasgow.
However, since Martin, Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart were axed from their roles, Rangers fortunes have started to turn around both on and off the pitch with head coach Danny Rohl working wonders with the squad he inherited in mid-October.
Rangers are now firmly back in Premiership title contention and Marathe has given an interview detailing how being involved in two football clubs - Leeds United and Rangers - compare to his role with the San Francisco 49ers.
Follow our GlasgowWorld - Rangers Facebook page to get all the latest news stories on the Light Blues
Speaking on the Men In Blazers podcast, he said: “The first rule that I took was to be humble enough to know that I don't know what I don't know, so ask questions, and it's OK if they are dumb questions. At the beginning all my questions were dumb questions, but I kept asking and kept learning.
“I did not fully appreciate how the jeopardy involved in European football with promotion and relegation changes stress levels. American sports, they have got it easy.
“If you are the worst team in the NFL you get the number one pick in the draft, so you can fall forward. It doesn't work like that in Europe, and it takes my stress level to a whole new level.”
49ers Enterprises chief on what shocked him most about Rangers takeover
Marthe conceded he wasn’t quite prepared for the intense scrutiny dished out from the Rangers support amid the takeover deal.
He added: “The jeopardy involved is a really big difference. It really is the supporters club - they really own the club. They really feel a sense of ownership, and myself as chairman of Leeds or vice-chairman of Glasgow Rangers, we are just stewards.
“We are just trying to do the best job we can for all the people we work for, and that is the supporters. That is the mentality, and that is why they support the club so emotionally and so passionately. It is a little bit different there, it is a next level intensity.”