Alious
“You Can’t Grow by Starting Over” – Davide Ancelotti Embraces Rangers Vision That Kevin Thelwell Will Enforce in Structural Revolution
Stability — both behind the scenes and on the pitch — is the defining difference between Celtic’s sustained success and Rangers’ recent struggles. Celtic have maintained consistency in ownership, finances, recruitment, and managerial direction, having only two head coaches over the past decade. Meanwhile, Rangers’ revolving door of managers and strategic direction has contributed to a depleted trophy cabinet and a fractured squad identity.
However, change is on the horizon. The anticipated takeover by 49ers Enterprises and the arrival of Kevin Thelwell as the new sporting director signals a fresh, more structured era for the Ibrox club. Central to Thelwell’s approach is the implementation of a unified football philosophy—one that governs everything from first-team tactics to academy progression and player recruitment.
Former Everton director Thelwell is determined to eliminate the club’s reliance on the preferences of individual managers when shaping the squad. Instead, he envisions a systematic model where the club’s identity remains intact regardless of who is in the dugout. This means decisions about medical teams, performance departments, and player acquisitions will fall under the sporting director’s purview, not the head coach’s.
Enter Davide Ancelotti, who is now leading the race to become Rangers’ next manager. Speaking to *Training Ground Guru*, Ancelotti voiced strong support for a club-first philosophy that prioritises structural stability over constant reinvention. He praised the American sports model, where coaching changes don’t upend entire backroom setups or disrupt the broader club framework.
He explained, “When a new manager comes in and changes 12 people every time, you lose continuity. You cannot improve like that. It’s counterproductive.”
This mindset could be exactly what Rangers need. The club’s recent history has been plagued by mismatched player profiles, short-lived tactical visions, and pressure on new recruits to immediately deliver without full alignment with club goals.
If appointed, Ancelotti appears willing to work within a clearly defined framework, acknowledging that success at Rangers will come not through managerial ego, but through cohesion, collaboration, and long-term vision. His approach aligns seamlessly with Thelwell’s plans—prioritising the club’s evolution over personal legacy.
With this philosophy taking shape, Rangers may finally be building the foundation needed for sustainable success.
Alious
