“Fabrizio Romano Confirms Rangers Closing In on ‘Ange 2.0’ – Celtic Fans Won’t Believe It”
The managerial merry-go-round at Ibrox is set to take a dramatic turn following a major power shift at Rangers. With the club’s long-anticipated takeover now complete, Andrew Cavenagh and the new board are wasting no time making seismic changes behind the scenes and the next major decision appears to be appointing a manager hailed by insiders as “the next Ange Postecoglou.”
The Post-Koppen Era Begins
The first domino to fall came swiftly with the exit of director of football Nils Koppen, a move that signals the new regime’s intention to start fresh. Koppen’s departure, while not entirely unexpected, has made it clear that Cavenagh’s group is prioritizing structural reform from the top down. Sources suggest the board is eager to bring in leaders who align more closely with their footballing philosophy which includes finding a modern, progressive coach capable of shaking up Scottish football.
Koppen’s replacement is expected to be Kevin Thelwell, currently serving as Director of Football at Everton. Reports suggest Thelwell is ready to link up with Cavenagh’s project at Ibrox, bringing with him a reputation for smart recruitment and long-term squad building. His appointment could provide a strong backbone to support a new manager in the mold of Ange Postecoglou someone who brings a defined philosophy, media presence, and proven ability to rebuild clubs.
Ange Postecoglou Comparison Sparks Buzz
Celtic’s former manager Ange Postecoglou set a benchmark in recent years for what transformational leadership can look like in Scottish football. His mix of tactical identity, charisma, and talent identification quickly turned Celtic into a domestic force again, and ultimately earned him a move to the English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur. Now, Rangers appear to be searching for their own version of that success story a forward-thinking manager with a clear vision and the authority to reshape the club.
The term “next Ange Postecoglou” might raise eyebrows, especially among Celtic fans who still revere the Australian tactician. But for Rangers, the goal is clear: emulate the process, not the man. The new board understands that stability and strategic clarity are required to topple their Glaswegian rivals, and that starts with getting the right leader in place.
Speculation Mounts: Who Will Take Charge?
Despite weeks of speculation, a permanent managerial appointment has yet to materialize at Ibrox. Rangers have been linked with a range of candidates from experienced European tacticians to young, emerging coaches with fresh ideas. Among the names floated have been former Celtic assistant Kevin Muscat, currently coaching in Japan, as well as ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin, known for his possession-based approach.
Perhaps the most intriguing name has been Davide Ancelotti, the son of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti. While his potential appointment would be a bold and unconventional move, it fits the narrative of Rangers seeking an innovative, Postecoglou-style figure someone who can surprise the league, galvanize a fanbase, and push Celtic all the way.
Fabrizio Romano recently hinted that Rangers are in “advanced conversations” with a candidate who fits this exact profile, adding fuel to the fire of a fanbase desperate for direction.
Urgency Grows With Preseason Looming
The timing of the appointment is crucial. With preseason just around the corner and player recruitment decisions hanging in the balance, Rangers must act swiftly to ensure the squad is ready for both domestic and European challenges. The new manager will need to assess the current roster, identify key areas for improvement, and quickly instill a style of play that resonates both in the dressing room and in the stands.
With a new Director of Football expected imminently and boardroom authority now consolidated, all signs point to an appointment coming sooner rather than later.
A Defining Moment for Rangers
For Rangers fans, this summer represents more than just a managerial change it symbolizes a turning point. After years of instability, missed opportunities, and frustration, the new ownership is promising a fresh vision. And with Celtic continuing to dominate under Brendan Rodgers, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
If Rangers can land the right man their own version of Postecoglou they might finally have the platform to challenge once more for Scottish supremacy. But get it wrong, and the gap could widen further.
The next few days could define the next few years at Ibrox.
