Rangers supporters haven’t had much to celebrate during a season riddled with disappointment. Celtic stand on the verge of completing a domestic treble, Philippe Clement’s managerial spell ended in disarray, and interim boss Barry Ferguson has presided over the worst home record in the club’s history. To add to the turmoil, Rangers couldn’t even play at Ibrox at the beginning of the campaign due to stadium issues.
While fans are painfully aware of these struggles, a brighter future may be taking shape with the incoming involvement of 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh. Their investment in the Glasgow club is reportedly nearing completion, and the influence of the American consortium is already being felt. Kevin Thelwell, formerly of Everton, has been appointed as the new sporting director, signaling the beginning of a new era at Ibrox.
One of Thelwell’s immediate tasks has been to address the club’s most pressing concern: the appointment of a permanent manager. He has already held discussions with Ferguson, but given the poor results under his interim stewardship, it’s unlikely Ferguson will retain any role once pre-season begins.
Several candidates have been linked with the vacant managerial post, but the latest – and perhaps most intriguing – is Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti. According to Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Rangers are now actively pursuing the 35-year-old. Ancelotti is also on Serie A side Como’s radar, while Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly considering Cesc Fàbregas as a replacement for Xabi Alonso. Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport even claims that Rangers have already submitted an official offer to Ancelotti.
If appointed, Ancelotti would be a bold and unconventional hire. Though inexperienced as a head coach, his pedigree is exceptional. As the son of managerial legend Carlo Ancelotti, Davide has worked alongside his father at several elite clubs – Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and most recently, Real Madrid. He earned his UEFA A License at just 26, finishing top of his class, and secured his UEFA Pro License in 2023.
BBC Sport columnist Mina Rzouki recently highlighted Davide’s tactical impact during Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final victory over Bayern Munich, describing him as Carlo’s “secret weapon.” She credited him with making the decisive call to introduce Joselu, who went on to score twice in ten minutes to secure Madrid’s place in the final.
At Leeds United, the 49ers’ only managerial appointment so far has been Daniel Farke, a proven name with Championship promotion pedigree. But at Rangers, the consortium may be willing to embrace something more innovative. After all, it wasn’t long ago that Rangers took a chance on Steven Gerrard, a managerial rookie at the time, who went on to deliver the club’s most successful spell since Walter Smith’s era.
With the potential arrival of Davide Ancelotti, Rangers could once again be on the verge of a transformative and ambitious new chapter.
