Rangers next manager hint dropped by Davide Ancelotti with Russell Martin under pressure

Embattled Davide Ancelotti has vowed to continue his battle at Botafogo - despite fresh rumours linking him with a potential Rangers return. The Italian reached the latter stages of the recruitment process during the summer but Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises ultimately opted for Russell Martin to spearhead their new direction.

Since that appointment, the ex-Southampton head coach has endured a torrid beginning to the season with Rangers failing to secure a single Premiership victory and suffering a devastating 9-1 Champions League qualifying defeat to Club Brugge. The Ibrox hierarchy have already been contacted by potential candidates regarding Martin's future as they contemplate replacing the beleaguered manager - with Ancelotti once again emerging as a topic of discussion.

The former Real Madrid assistant ventured out independently from his father Carlo when he joined Brazilian outfit Botafogo - but is facing the prospect of being sacked himself, following a disappointing spell.

Pressure has intensified after Ancelotti saw his team surrender a commanding three-goal interval advantage to settle for a 3-3 stalemate against Mirassol - prompting furious supporters to jeer both players and manager as they departed the pitch.

However, despite conjecture surrounding a possible replacement role for Martin in Glasgow, Ancelotti maintains his resolve to persevere.

He declared: "We still have 17 games left in the Brasileirao, and we have to start reacting today. We have to keep improving, playing well, and in the Brasileirao we have opportunities to finish the season strong.

"Now we don't have to think about the title, we have to think about today's game and react, which will be very important to demonstrate our unity at this moment."

Addressing the supporters' reaction during his post-match press conference, he continued: "(It will only change) With results, not words.

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"With results, winning games and playing well, I can't do anything else. I have to work on how the team played in the first half, playing the full 90 minutes.

"Playing well, the fans will believe in this team again. If they play like they did in the second half, I can understand the fans."

Martin has been passionate in defending his tactical methods since his arrival in Glasgow - notably choosing instead to criticise his players by suggesting it was "the emotion" and the inability to "manage anxiety" behind the early campaign difficulties following the loss to Hearts.

However, Ancelotti has adopted a contrasting stance at Botafogo - emphasising he would "never" place the blame on his underperforming stars.

He explained: "Psychologically, the team needs to be calmer when something negative happens. I have to convey that calmness too.

"The bench has to convey that in general, everyone. I certainly bear full responsibility. I'll never blame my players.

"Botafogo has to play as a team at all times. Not just with heart, we have to play with organisation, as a team.

"We can score goals with individual plays alone, but when the game is like this, we won't win."