Rangers Widen Head Coach Search as Summer Overhaul Looms
Rangers are stepping up their efforts to appoint a new permanent head coach ahead of the upcoming season, with interim boss Barry Ferguson expected to exit once a successor is found.
With the 49ers edging closer to finalising their takeover at Ibrox, the search for a long-term managerial appointment is gaining momentum. The club is now casting a wider net, exploring options beyond domestic names, and a client of former Spain international David Villa has emerged as a contender.
Villa-linked Coach Joins Growing List of Rangers Targets
The Light Blues have been connected with several managerial candidates, though no deal appears imminent. Among those recently linked is Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Röhl, whose future looks increasingly likely to lie away from Hillsborough. Former Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard has also been touted for a possible return following a brief and turbulent stint in Saudi Arabia.
However, the latest name to surface is Davide Ancelotti, current assistant at Real Madrid and son of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti. According to Corriere dello Sport (11 May, page 24), both Rangers and Italian side Como have made approaches for the 35-year-old, who is reportedly considering his next move carefully.
Ancelotti is represented by David Villa’s agency, which has sparked intrigue about the direction Rangers may take under new leadership.
Davide Ancelotti a Potential Gamble for Ibrox
If appointed, Ancelotti would be a relatively untested figure in his own right, despite his impressive résumé working alongside his father at one of the world’s most successful clubs. Since joining the Real Madrid coaching staff in 2021, he has helped guide the team to 11 trophies, giving him valuable experience at the highest level.
That said, his managerial style and tactical philosophy remain largely unknown, which could pose a risk for a club seeking clarity and direction under new ownership. Compared to someone like Gerrard, who already has a track record at Ibrox, Ancelotti would represent a more uncertain choice.
For now, Rangers appear determined to leave no stone unturned as they aim to secure the right candidate to lead the club into a new era.
