Davide and Carlo Ancelotti
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Wed 14 May 2025 8:10, UK
Rangers are seemingly close to appointing Davide Ancelotti as their next permanent manager, in a surprising move.
The Gers are set for major changes this summer, with a new ownership group backed by 49ers Enterprises and a new head coach coming in to revitalise the squad after a dismal campaign.
Rangers have now set their sights on Ancelotti, in what would be his first managerial role, having served as assistant to his father Carlo Ancelotti at four different clubs.
While some are sceptical about his lack of experience, his knowledge gained from working at some of the world’s biggest clubs could now serve him well.
Davide Ancelotti
Davide Ancelotti could take the Rangers job (Credit: Imago)
Ancelotti will have more freedom at Rangers than Real Madrid
Although he was the assistant rather than head coach at Real Madrid, Ancelotti did take a more hands-on approach than his father, and had his own tactical visions for the team.
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Stepping into a head coach role will allow the 35-year-old to create his own tactical vision, without the restrictions that managers face at Real Madrid.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Football Espana editor Ruairidh Barlow has now explained why the potential new Rangers manager will differ from his father, and how he could make his mark at Ibrox.
*“It would be surprising if Davide diverged drastically from some of the key Ancelotti tenets: freedom for forwards in the final third, a solid structure at the back and a team capable of playing in different ways,*” he explained.
Years Club
2016-17 Bayern Munich
2018-19 Napoli
2019-21 Everton
2021-25 Real Madrid
Davide Ancelotti’s career so far
“I’d expect a more hands-on approach, and perhaps a more defined tactical identity. One of the things to consider at Real Madrid is you’re somewhat hostage to your stars, who have to be accommodated and set the parameters in which you can work.
“*I think Davide (and Carlo) would have loved to have pressed more situationally with Real Madrid in the last few years, but found themselves without the pieces to do so.*“
Carlo Ancelotti
Davide Ancelotti may have a different approach to Carlo Ancelotti (Credit: Imago)
Davide can be more ruthless than Carlo Ancelotti at Rangers
Despite learning from his father at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid, if Ancelotti does take the Rangers job, he could even add his own tactical ideas.
Without big-name superstars sometimes dictating the tactics through player power, the 35-year-old may imprint different ideas than seen under Carlo at Real Madrid, and may even be more tactically adaptable to the modern game.
“You saw a lot of invention from Real Madrid in the last few years. Davide, again being about half his age and having done his coaching badges with contemporaries, probably has a more system-focused mindset [than Carlo],” Barlow added.
“For me, I’m taking this from the differences between the first and second spell – albeit they did make Angel Di Maria a midfielder – you saw a Real Madrid side that found answers offensively.
“Jude Bellingham crashing the box as a third forward was a genius move. Rodrygo and Vinícius both on the left against Manchester City was incredibly smart and brave.
“Fede Valverde as a makeshift right winger to balance the side. Vinícius moving more central last season worked very well at times too. Camavinga as a berserker midfield in Europe, Joselu Mató as a temporary answer up front – all of these were very smart things the Ancelottis did together.
“It’s impossible to know who made those decisions, and what makes them different. The one thing I do believe you’ll see them diverge on is younger players.
“It’s known that Davide was pushing for Arda Güler as a deeper midfielder earlier this season. Endrick is another one I think would have had more game time earlier under Davide.
“Carlo is incredibly loyal to his veterans and stars, you might see a slightly more ruthless streak in that regard from Davide.”
Ancelotti could provide good balance at Rangers
Those expecting a carbon copy of Carlo Ancelotti at Rangers if his son does join may be in for a shock, as he can now operate without the tactical restrictions his father faced at Real Madrid.
Academy youngsters are rarely given opportunities at Real Madrid, and this could even play to the Italian’s advantage as he could try and bring some top talents to Ibrox.
It seems likely that Ancelotti will be willing to give opportunities to younger players, while dropping underperforming big names, two things which his father was reluctant to do in Madrid.
A good balance of age and status could be found by Ancelotti, while he could also introduce the pressing game he would have liked to at Madrid, but could not due to player power in the squad.
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