Modern football has evolved to the point where it’s no longer expected—or even advisable—for a manager to handle every aspect of a club. This marks a shift from what Rangers previously experienced under Philippe Clement, Michael Beale, and Steven Gerrard, who often took on an all-encompassing role during their time in charge.
Currently, speculation is intensifying around who will be the next Rangers manager, with Davide Ancelotti emerging as the frontrunner for the job. Securing him would represent a major victory for newly appointed sporting director Kevin Thelwell. Although Ancelotti has yet to take full control of a team independently, his pedigree and experience under the wing of his legendary father, Carlo Ancelotti, make him an intriguing candidate. With Carlo preparing to lead the Brazilian national team and Real Madrid bringing in a new coaching staff, Davide appears ready to step out on his own for the first time.
In a revealing interview with Training Ground Guru, Davide Ancelotti shared insights into his coaching philosophy, shedding light on how he might shape Rangers on the pitch. Multilingual and tactically astute, he emphasized the importance of adaptability and preparation. His former players often highlight the significant role he played in shaping training sessions and contributing to the tactical identity of his father’s teams.
During his stint at Everton, Davide was directly involved in designing training regimes tailored to specific match plans. He explained that game strategy is always situational—teams must adapt based on how opponents press or defend. Recognizing and responding to these variations is central to his approach. Whether in possession or without the ball, he believes players must understand how to press high, manage transitions, and organize the defense collectively. He also stressed that formations should be fluid, adjusted according to the strengths and attributes of the players available.
The big question remains: does Davide Ancelotti possess the experience required to succeed at a club like Rangers? One thing is clear—flexibility is crucial at Ibrox. This was a critical weakness under Clement, Beale, and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who were often reluctant to adapt their approach, particularly against Scottish teams that employed deep defensive blocks.
Ancelotti, having worked at elite clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, is no stranger to the challenge of breaking down compact, defensive opponents. While those environments operate at a higher level, the tactical dilemma remains similar. If appointed, Ancelotti could bring the kind of flexibility and tactical intelligence that Rangers have been missing.
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