Insight from Spain 

©TM/IMAGO

Carlo Ancelotti is one of the most decorated managers in history but his son Davide will pursue his own journey this summer. The 35-year-old has been working alongside his legendary father for over a decade since joining him as an assistant fitness coach at PSG in 2012. After gaining his UEFA A Licence, Ancelotti Jnr was promoted to assistant manager at Bayern Munich and he’s maintained that position at Napoli, Everton and, notably, Real Madrid.

With Carlo leaving Madrid at the end of the season to move into international management with Brazil, Davide is poised for his maiden foray into the dugout as the main man. The promising coach has rejected advances in the past – Everton sounded him out in 2023 – but indications of his desire to move into management have become clear recently. Davide switched agencies from CAA Base – who represent his father – to David Villa’s agency just one week ago and he’s now been strongly linked with the managerial vacancy at Rangers.

David Ancelotti: Rangers interest is legitimate

Spanish outlet AS first reported Rangers’ interest in Ancelotti on Monday night, suggesting the Scottish club had approached the Real Madrid assistant about becoming their new head coach. Ancelotti will leave Madrid in the next fortnight and Xabi Alonso is expected to appoint his own coaching team when he’s officially announced as their new boss.

Despite reports claiming that Rangers are nearing an agreement with Ancelotti, Transfermarkt understands that remains some way off but discussions have been held with his representatives. It’s also understood that Rangers aren’t the only club interested in Ancelotti’s services this summer with his intentions now clear. Nevertheless, Ancelotti remains a genuine candidate for the vacancy but Rangers are also assessing other potential options. Barry Ferguson has been the interim manager at the Glasgow club since Phillippe Clement was sacked in February but he won’t be appointed on a permanent basis, despite his clear desires.

What has Davide Ancelotti’s role been at Real Madrid?

Ancelotti has a strong relationship with the Real Madrid squad and is highly-respected within the dressing room. Davide often acts as a conduit between his father and the players as he can resonate with the squad due to being closer in age. He can also converse with the majority of the squad in their native tongue as he speaks five languages – Italian, French, Spanish, English and German.

Real Madrid boss Ancelotti entrusts his son with significant responsibility as he’s instrumental to implementing their tactical approach, analysing opposition and he’s the main voice in training sessions. Davide is incredibly visible on the touchline during games and is often the dominant voice on the touchline – he famously gave the final speech in the huddle before Madrid’s penalty shoot-out win in the Champions League over Manchester City in 2024.

Davide Ancelotti: The view from Spain

The overriding perception of Davide in Madrid is positive and Ivan Fuente, LaLiga expert at Transfermarkt, has provided insight from Spain. “Davide’s responsibilities under Carlo have increased across the years and he’s now very important from a tactical perspective,” Fuente said. “He regularly gives instructions to the player and he talks a lot with the players from an emotional aspect. It’s difficult to say whether he’s ready for management because he is under his father’s shadow so far. But he unquestionably has a good tactical knowledge and understanding of physical demands from working as a fitness coach.”

On the links to Rangers, Fuente added: “It’s a big step but after many years with his father at the highest level, he will try to prove himself. He changed his agent recently, so he’s going to try to find a club in the next few months. It’s not going to be easy because he will be under the spotlight. He has skipped several stages because he is Carlo’s son. He will probably get a good team, so the pressure will be high and he will not have the protection of his father, so his true ability will soon become evident.”