AliousForget Ancelotti & Gerrard: Rangers’ Ideal Next Manager Is Crystal Clear if Russell Martin Is Let Go
Rangers’ ongoing struggles under Russell Martin have sparked debate over who should replace him should the board decide to part ways with the head coach.
While official signals from Ibrox suggest Martin’s position is safe for now, mounting pressure from fans, the press, and poor results make it clear that his tenure is fragile.
After five league games without a win and a humiliating Champions League qualifying campaign, Martin faces an uphill battle.
If Rangers’ rivals at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership capitalize in the coming days, the Gers could find themselves perilously low in the standings, evoking memories of their last such position in 1989.
Even if this scenario doesn’t unfold, it is widely understood that a few more defeats could seal Martin’s fate.
Why Martin’s Approach Isn’t Working
Martin’s footballing philosophy has always been rigid, adhering to a possession-based, high-pressing system regardless of squad suitability.
At Rangers, his focus on quick passing and a compact pitch with a high defensive line has exposed limitations in personnel.
While the squad boasts pace and dribbling ability, key defenders like John Souttar and Nasser Djiga lack the speed required for such a high line, and goalkeeper Jack Butland is more comfortable playing deep rather than as a sweeper-keeper.
The result has been a mismatch between tactics and player capabilities.
Martin’s unwillingness to adapt has left Rangers struggling, echoing challenges seen with other managers like Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.
Despite off-field issues around recruitment or board decisions, the primary concern remains Martin’s inflexibility and dogmatic adherence to his style.
**What Rangers Need in a Manager**
If a managerial change occurs, Rangers require someone whose tactical philosophy aligns better with the existing squad.
A more conservative defensive setup combined with quick counter-attacking football would make the most of the players’ strengths.
This doesn’t necessitate a “route one” approach, but a manager comfortable with pragmatism and squad-specific tactics is essential.
Potential Successors: Gerrard, Ancelotti, or Dyche?
Speculation often gravitates towards high-profile names like Steven Gerrard or Davide Ancelotti.
Gerrard’s past success at Ibrox makes him a familiar choice, while Ancelotti’s prior interview for the job keeps his name circulating, despite his mixed fortunes in Brazil.
However, experience suggests Rangers should consider candidates who combine organisational discipline with tactical pragmatism. Sean Dyche emerges as a strong option.
Though he lacks experience managing clubs expected to dominate consistently, Dyche excels at shaping disciplined, resilient squads, instilling confidence in underperforming teams, and utilising direct, counter-attacking strategies.
While not always the purists’ choice, Dyche’s proven ability to overperform relative to squad quality could provide Rangers with stability and immediate results.
Ultimately, debate over Martin’s replacement remains theoretical as long as the board retains him.
Yet the urgency is clear: poor results, historic lows, and tactical misalignment demand a change.
Transitioning from Martin to a manager like Dyche, even if unglamorous, could be the pragmatic step needed to restore Rangers’ competitiveness.
Alious
