As Rangers edge towards naming their next manager, the contrast with Celtic’s current position couldn’t be more different. While the Ibrox side look set to choose between Russell Martin and Davide Ancelotti to replace Philippe Clement permanently, Celtic remain settled, structured, and successful under Brendan Rodgers.
The Hoops, coming off a double-winning campaign, have stability in the dugout, clarity in their playing style, and a squad that’s already delivering results. From a Celtic point of view, the managerial uncertainty across the city only highlights the strength of the Hoops project.
The Ibrox club, under the new influence of the San Francisco 49ers Enterprises, have already begun their overhaul behind the scenes. Nils Koppen is out, and Dan Purdy has arrived alongside Director of Football Kevin Thelwell.
The managerial appointment is the next major decision – and it’s one loaded with risk. With no Scottish football experience between the reported frontrunners, they will be tasked with quickly closing the gap to a Celtic side already firing on all cylinders.
The challenge for Rangers’ next manager goes beyond just tactics. Celtic aren’t just winning games – they’re setting the standard for how the game is played in Scotland. For a new manager to come in and try to match that straight away is a big ask, and one that could backfire.
With former striker Rory Loy sharing his thoughts on the Rangers managerial search, raising serious doubts about how their potential appointments stack up against Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic.
He said: (the Scottish Football Podcast), “My concern if I was a Rangers fan would be that these managers want to come in and try out-football Brendan Rodgers and Celtic.
“That is going to be extremely difficult to do in a very short space of time. Ange Postecoglou did do it. But he’s the exception to the rule in my opinion.
“Whoever comes in is going to have to come in and win games of football. People underestimate flipping between this formation and that formation. It takes a lot of work, time and effort.
“Six weeks of pre-season go into building what we want to play and whoever comes in is going to have to do that in six weeks or the longer it takes, less and less. And try and come in and play a style of football.
“In my opinion Russell Martin and Davide Ancelotti will want to play the ball on the ground and pop it around.
“At this moment in time, Rangers are nowhere near at the stage of competing against Celtic in that department.
“It is going to be interesting to see how they start and how long the fans stick with them if they do, do that.
“I don’t see one of these guys coming in and being able to take the bull by the horns and win game after game after game if that is going to be their uptake. They need to find a way to win games first.”
Loy’s points make sense. Celtic were strong and steady under Brendan Rodgers for much the season, with early wins over Kilmarnock and Hibs setting the tone for a team that was well-prepared and clear in how they wanted to play.
Key players like Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Daizen Maeda have stepped up when needed, and the team has looked sharp going forward and more solid at the back, giving other teams little chance.
Rangers aren’t just looking for a new manager – they’re trying to keep up with a Celtic side that’s the dominant force in Scottish football.
There’s not much time, the pressure is high, and the difference between the teams is clear. Celtic are settled and winning, while Rangers are starting over.
