Issame Charai Departs Rangers After Brief Five-Month Spell as Assistant Coach
Rangers have confirmed the departure of assistant coach Issame Charai, who leaves the club just five months after joining the coaching staff at Ibrox. The Belgian tactician, who was brought in to support manager Philippe Clement, is moving on from his role as part of the club’s ongoing backroom restructuring ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Charai arrived in Glasgow in January, following Clement to Rangers after previously working alongside him at various stages of their coaching careers. His appointment was viewed as part of a larger effort to bolster the tactical setup at the club and improve player performance during a key stage of the campaign.
However, after just a short stint in the role, the club has opted for a change in direction. Rangers announced Charai’s exit in a brief statement thanking him for his service and wishing him well in his future endeavors. While no official reason was given for the split, it’s understood that the decision was mutual, with both parties agreeing it was the right time to part ways.
During his time at Ibrox, Charai was primarily tasked with helping oversee first-team training sessions and contributing to tactical planning. He was particularly involved in mentoring the younger players in the squad and was seen as a calm and knowledgeable presence within the dressing room. Despite his efforts, Rangers fell short of reclaiming the Scottish Premiership title and also missed out on domestic silverware, leading to a broader reassessment of the coaching staff.
Manager Philippe Clement, who is preparing for his first full season in charge, is expected to reshape his coaching team to align more closely with his long-term vision for the club. The Belgian boss has spoken publicly about the need for a high-performance environment, and it’s believed further changes behind the scenes may follow as part of that objective.
Issame Charai’s next move remains unclear, though his experience and pedigree in European football could see him quickly land another coaching position. Prior to joining Rangers, he held roles in both club and international football, including with the Morocco U23 side and Belgian Pro League clubs.
Rangers fans will now await news on who will replace Charai in Clement’s staff, with the club likely to target a candidate who brings both tactical acumen and familiarity with Clement’s approach to the game.