Issame Charai has gracefully accepted that his time at Rangers has come to an end as a new managerial era takes shape at Ibrox. The former first-team coach, who arrived only in January to work under Philippe Clement, departs with no animosity and a new opportunity on the horizon—having swiftly secured a managerial position at Belgian top-flight club Westerlo.
Despite the brevity of his stint, Charai left a positive mark and expressed hope that Rangers’ new American-led leadership will adopt a more measured, long-term vision as the club seeks stability and sustained success.
“I had a good conversation with Russell [Martin] and Kevin [Thelwell],” Charai told Record Sport. “It was a respectful exchange. Once it was clear Russell was coming in with his own assistant [Matt Gill], we saw our roles were overlapping. I suggested we make a swift decision so I could explore new opportunities.”
That decision opened new doors almost immediately, with Charai’s phone ringing off the hook once news broke of his departure. Now leading Westerlo, he’s excited about his next chapter but remains thoughtful about his brief tenure in Glasgow.
No Ill Will Toward Rangers, but a Warning About the Demands of Success
While Charai acknowledged Rangers’ pressing need to prepare for their looming Champions League qualifiers, he urged the new regime to embrace a balance between short-term results and long-term planning.
“Everyone at Rangers expects to win every match—there’s no escaping that pressure,” he said. “But there needs to be a long-term vision that supports consistency and sustainability. That’s the challenge Kevin and Russell must face together.”
Charai pointed to the intense rivalry with Celtic as another reason for heightened urgency but maintained that building a project with enduring results should be a priority, even amidst the drive for immediate victories.
Reflecting on Clement’s Exit and the Pressures That Followed
Charai also spoke candidly about the difficult circumstances surrounding Philippe Clement’s departure, citing budget cuts, operational instability, and an undercurrent of personal scrutiny as factors that contributed to the Belgian’s downfall.
“It wasn’t an ideal situation for Philippe. He worked hard for the club, even when resources were limited and key appointments like the CEO came late. After the Queen’s Park defeat, things got personal. The criticism wasn’t just about results anymore.”
Though Clement’s time ended prematurely, Charai believes the former boss deserved more understanding, especially given that many of the problems he faced remained unresolved after his exit.
A Grateful Goodbye
Despite the turbulence, Charai leaves with no regrets.
“My time in Glasgow was a valuable experience. I got to work in a new competition, with two different managers in Philippe and Barry [Ferguson], each with their own philosophies. The pressure, the European campaign, and the culture around the club—it all made me stronger.”
With Rangers now under the guidance of Russell Martin and a revamped backroom structure, Charai’s message is clear: success at Ibrox demands both urgent results and strategic foresight. As he embarks on his next challenge in Belgium, he wishes the club nothing but the best in building toward a more stable future.
