According to Kris Boyd, Rangers could fire Philippe Clement as early as next week if his team’s performance suffers.
For a large portion of the season, Clement has been the focus of conjecture because his team has only just finished in second position in the league, far behind their fiercest rivals in the top spot.
The Gers haven’t impressed consistently despite a respectable run of performances, as they lost 2-1 at St Mirren in the 93rd minute on Thursday, December 26, falling 12 points behind Celtic.
Boyd did not hold back in his critique of the Belgian in his piece for The Scottish Sun [27 December], writing: “Philippe Clement has two games to save his job as Rangers boss.”
Or, if the club is still run according to the standards I was up with, he ought to have.
Clement called the loss against St. Mirren on Boxing Day “unacceptable.”
He was correct, but Rangers’ 12-point deficit to Celtic after 17 games is also true.
“Clement’s tenure as boss must come to an end if that gap widens to 15 or worse this week.”
Philippe Clement’s Rangers career is coming to an end.
Rangers’ performance has fallen far short of what is usually expected at Ibrox, and Clement has failed to get them singing on a regular basis in the Scottish Premiership this season.
It would be unthinkable to see Rangers mount any serious challenge for the title this season, despite some claims to the contrary. The fact that it was won at Christmas says a lot about the season Clement’s team has been having.
It appeared as though the Belgian was unsure of how to make his team take the lead in their loss at St. Mirren. Instead, they gave up a goal in the closing minutes of the match, losing any points they might have gained.
Rangers must be ready to play Motherwell on Thursday, December 29, before facing their most formidable opponents in league competition on Thursday, January 2. Games during this time frame come thick and fast.
The Belgian may find these sports to be quite important. The Gers lost to Celtic in a penalty shootout in the League Cup final last time around, and Clement’s team has to get retribution this time.
The 50-year-old’s tenure at Ibrox may come to an end if he doesn’t make an impression, as the difference between the two teams is a clear indication of Rangers’ declining standards.
By this time next week, Clement might not have a job if Boyd’s prognosis is accurate.
