ancelotti,Rangers
(Credit:Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Thu 15 May 2025 7:10, UK
Rangers are said to be targeting Davide Ancelotti as their next manager, but there could already be problems that scupper the deal.
Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid in the coming weeks, having served as an assistant to his father, the legendary Carlo Ancelotti, for several years.
Rangers are considering the Italian to lead their new era at Ibrox despite his lack of experience, with Ancelotti wanted by several clubs and an offer already made.
However, the deal could now be in danger of collapsing, as a new suspicion over Ancelotti has been raised.
Davide Ancelotti
Ancelotti is wanted by Rangers (Credit: Imago)
Keith Jackson questions Rangers’ interest in Ancelotti
Ancelotti has been linked with several clubs, including FC Como, with the 35-year-old highly regarded in the game despite having no experience as a head coach.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
Daily Record journalist Keith Jackson has now questioned why there is such a rush to hire Ancelotti, and claimed that he and his father could be throwing his name around to drum up more interest, which could lead to the Bears walking away.
“If they suspect Ancelotti is deliberately manipulating and exploiting their interest – or attempting to strong arm his way into the position on the back of his father’s reputation – then they may already have cause to consider if a lack of experience has clouded his better judgement,” Jackson wrote in the Daily Record (14 May).
Clubs where Ancelotti has been assistant manager Period
Bayern Munich July 2016 – September 2017
Napoli July 2018 – December 2019
Everton December 2019 – June 2021
Real Madrid July 2021 – present
Ancelotti’s record so far
“And that would add another layer of jeopardy to the whole decision-making process.”
If Rangers get cold feet over the speed at which they may need to secure Ancelotti, or suspect that he may not be fully committed, but is instead using their name to gather more interest, then any proposed appointment may collapse.
Carlo Ancelotti and son Davide Ancelotti, who is linked with Rangers.
Davide is set to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti (Credit: Imago)
Ancelotti would be familiar gamble for Rangers
Hiring coaches with little managerial experience would not be unfamiliar territory for Rangers, and they have found success in the past going down this route.
Giving Steven Gerrard his first managerial job proved to be a masterstroke as he led the Gers on an unbeaten season to their 55th league title in 2021, and his status as a big name with contacts in the game helped secure the signings of Liverpool talents, such as Ryan Kent.
Ancelotti could have a similar impact using his knowledge of Real Madrid’s youngsters, but there is another end of the spectrum his appointment could end up on.
Gerrard’s former assistant, Michael Beale, was hired after his previous work before management was admired, but he proved to be an unmitigated disaster at Rangers, which they are still recovering from.
If Ancelotti is hired, fans will hope his time is more comparable to Gerrard’s rather than Beale’s, but until a contract is signed, there will be speculation over who else could take the role.
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