Italian coach Davide Ancelotti has emerged as the leading contender to become the next Rangers manager, and his approach to coaching is both thoughtful and intricate.
Ancelotti, currently assistant to his legendary father Carlo at Real Madrid, is expected to step into a managerial role for the first time at the age of 35. His coaching journey has already included stints at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Madrid, working under his father’s guidance.
Despite never having led a team himself, Davide has already shown a willingness to challenge norms. According to Marca, he previously pushed for Arda Güler to be given more playing time earlier in the season—contrary to his father’s preference—highlighting his independent thinking.
In a previous in-depth interview, Ancelotti gave a vivid metaphor to describe his coaching philosophy: “Managing a football club is like shaping a bonsai tree.” He explained:
“When you arrive at a club, your first priority is to study the players you have. Coaching is like craftsmanship—you need ideas, but you have to continually adapt. If a club’s first question to me is about which formation I’ll use, then it’s not the right fit. You start with the players. That’s something my father taught me.”
He continued, “Coaching is about finding balance week to week. For example, we started last season with a diamond midfield but had to change because we were conceding too many crosses. Constant adjustment is part of the job. That’s what makes it so interesting.”
Ancelotti ended his playing career early—retiring at 20 after time in AC Milan’s youth setup—to focus on coaching, a passion he developed as a teenager. “I was more intrigued by the tactical side than actually playing,” he said. “I used to watch my father’s interviews and imagine myself in his position.”
He then threw himself into coaching education, studying physiology and training methodologies to build a solid foundation. “I wanted to be able to talk to everyone involved—from medical staff to fitness coaches,” he said. “Playing helps, but coaching is a different world. Growing up in that environment gave me invaluable experience.”
Davide’s first major coaching responsibility came in 2017 when he became assistant manager at Bayern Munich. Then 26, he was handed the role after Paul Clement departed for Swansea. “I didn’t feel ready, but my father said I was. Working with senior players like Ribery, Robben, and Neuer was intimidating, but I focused on earning trust by being honest and prepared.”
In a separate interview with France Football, Ancelotti outlined his day-to-day role and approach at Real Madrid:
“To coach, you need to be able to research, advise, control, and organise. I try to do all of those. I run sessions, give my father suggestions, analyse opponents, and offer detailed feedback to the players. I usually watch two of our opponents’ matches alone to pick out the key details.”
As he prepares for a potential move to Ibrox, Ancelotti’s measured, flexible, and player-first approach offers a clear sense of the type of manager he intends to be—one grounded in adaptability, communication, and constant learning.
