Davide Ancelotti philosophy, formation and style of play

Davide Ancelotti has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to become Rangers' new manager ahead of the 2025/26 season.

A fair amount of pressure comes with the Ancelotti name, with Davide's father and Real Madrid manager Carlo having won five UEFA Champions League titles in his managerial career.

We take a look at Davide Ancelotti's credentials, including his philosophy, formation and style of play.

Background

In 2007, while Carlo Ancelotti was enjoying his seventh year at AC Milan, his son Davide joined the club in pursuit of a professional football career.

He spent two years in Milan's youth setup, before joining Borgomanero in 2009.

While Carlo Ancelotti made the transition from an established playing career into management, it wasn't quite meant to be for Davide, retiring as a player aged 20 in 2009 to pursue a career in management.

The up-and-coming manager's first steps into football coaching came in 2012, where he became a fitness coach at Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain, where his father was manager.

From that point on, Davide has followed his legendary father in every direction.

Has Davide Ancelotti ever managed before?

Davide Ancelotti has never managed a football club before, having only worked as an assistant manager at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid.

Aged 35, he would become the youngest current manager in the Scottish Premiership.

CV and achievements

A role as Paris Saint Germain's fitness coach was followed up by the position as Real Madrid's assistant fitness coach, and it wasn't until 2016 where Ancelotti made his first significant step towards one day becoming a reputable head coach.

Granted his UEFA A license in 2016, it didn't take long for Ancelotti to step onto the sidelines alongside his father, becoming the assistant manager at German giants Bayern Munich.

Ancelotti Jr would then follow his father to Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid.

His role as assistant has reportedly become more significant over the years, working alongside Duncan Ferguson to conduct training sessions at Everton.

In July 2023, he attained his UEFA Pro Licence, opening up a pathway into fulfilling his dream of becoming a manager.

Honours as assistant manager

Bayern Munich:

• Bundesliga - 2016/17
• DFL-Supercup - 2016, 2017

Real Madrid:

• La Liga - 2021/22, 2023/24
• Copa del Rey - 2022/23
• UEFA Champions League - 2021/22, 2023/24
• UEFA Super Cup - 2022, 2024
• FIFA Club World Cup - 2022
• Superopa de Espana - 2021/22, 2023/24

Philosophy and style of play

Davide Ancelotti has previously stated that while a philosophy and system is important, it has to be adaptable to the players at his disposal.

Stylistically, the budding young manager appears pragmatic and flexible, based on what he has said and how his father's teams have set up at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid.

In terms of play style, if Ancelotti is to take the role as Rangers manager, he would be walking into a job where he is equipped with a squad superior to much of the rest of the Scottish Premiership, only rivalled by Glasgow neighbours Celtic.

This points towards Ancelotti setting his team up on the front foot, with an intention of sustaining attacks high up the pitch. Having spent years as his father's understudy, however, he will know not to be naive.

When under the cosh, expect Ancelotti to take a more cautious approach, as we have seen Real Madrid operate against higher levels of opposition in recent campaigns.

Take Real's knockout phase victory over Manchester City as an example. In both legs Los Blancos saw less of the ball, aware of the threat Pep Guardiola's side could pose, yet they were still aggressive and direct on the counter, scoring six times in the tie.

Yet to take up the role as a manager, expect Ancelotti to take time to settle in, but signs suggest that the Italian could be a versatile and adaptable leader who plays to the strengths of his players.

Formation

It's hard to work out what formation Ancelotti Jr may employ at Rangers, with his father having utilised a range of different systems in his managerial career.

One thing that seems likely is that the Gers would set up in a back four. Once he gets a feel for his players, Ancelotti will likely choose between a 4-3-3, a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 (diamond).

Cyriel Dessers, Vaclav Cerny and Hamza Igamane are the three forwards who Ancelotti would expectedly be eager to have in his XI, should they remain at the club, while Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin could take up two of the midfield roles.

The formation implemented will largely be determined by outgoings and incomings at Ibrox this summer.

Potential Rangers starting XI under Davide Ancelotti (4-2-3-1): Kelly; Tavernier, Souttar, Propper, Jefte; Raskin, Diomande; Cerny, Bajrami, Igmane; Dessers.