Since appointing Steven Gerrard as manager, Rangers have struggled with succession planning—making their post-Gerrard collapse unsurprising. Ross Wilson, responsible for recruitment and replacing Gerrard, opted for a club legend whose playing style clashed with his predecessor’s.
The club’s player trading model reached its peak with the lucrative sales of Nathan Patterson and Calvin Bassey. However, more recent signings haven’t delivered similar success, either on the field or financially.
When Gerrard departed, he took his entire coaching staff with him. But with Barry Ferguson now leaving, it appears that Rangers are shifting gears, possibly embracing a more forward-thinking, sustainable structure.
Davide Ancelotti is strongly linked to the manager’s job and could be working alongside Issame Charai—an arrangement that signals a new direction for the club.
Charai’s Continued Role Reflects a Desire for Stability
Across European football, it’s common for clubs to promote from within during managerial transitions. Rangers legend Walter Smith exemplified how successful this approach can be.
Charai’s arrival at Rangers was unexpected, though he came with a strong coaching résumé, having led Morocco’s youth sides to success in both the African Cup of Nations and the Olympics. Known as a promising young coach, he’s turned down high-profile offers, including one from Strasbourg—owned by Chelsea’s Todd Boehly and the BlueCo group—suggesting a strong commitment to his current role.
Rangers’ choice to retain Charai following the exits of both Philippe Clement and Ferguson suggests he’s central to a broader long-term vision. That vision may even include Charai becoming the club’s future manager.
Ancelotti on Staff Stability
In an interview with Training Ground Guru, Davide Ancelotti emphasized the value of coaching consistency. Responding to a question about why his father Carlo avoids bringing a large entourage to each new club, Ancelotti said:
“Yes, and I think this is something that needs to stop in football. In American sports, which I believe set a good example, it’s not like this.
“Each team has a philosophy and staff in place, while the manager is there to prepare for games and oversee strategy—that’s it.
“It may seem extreme in the U.S., but over here it’s also gone too far the other way. Clubs shouldn’t replace a dozen staff members every time they hire a new manager. You can’t progress that way.”
With 49ers Enterprises poised to take control of Rangers, the American model Ancelotti refers to could soon become a reality at Ibrox.
