Rangers have kept a low profile all week, only finally forcing Philippe Clement to face the music during his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Tynecastle.
The manager couldn’t have been handed a tougher challenge, especially after the disastrous performance against Queen’s Park, compounded by a squad that has been pushed to its limits throughout the season.
Clement had the opportunity to leave Rangers before the season even began, yet he has maintained a defiant attitude despite experiencing one of the club’s worst results in its history.
No Regrets About Staying at Rangers
Few seasons since 2012 have been as hard to endure as this one—a paradox given that Rangers managed to secure a top-eight finish in the Europa League group stage. While some teams struggle to produce quality football, as seen in their 3-0 win over Celtic or even the 1-1 draw with Spurs, there have also been moments of staggering poor performance.
Despite the option to walk away, Clement insists he has no regrets about staying at Ibrox. “No, no. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here because you can’t just step out of the story. No, no. I understand,” he said when questioned about turning down offers to escape his troubles at Ibrox.
He continued, “I know why I made that decision—it’s because of the bond with the fans and my belief in how great this place can be when you’re successful and win trophies. That’s what drives me. I made that choice before coming here, even when other teams were interested, and it remains true today.”
When pressed about whether the Scottish Cup exit was the final straw, his response was brief: “That’s what you say.” His comments suggest that he’s aware of the criticism, yet remains steadfast in his conviction.
Time for a Change
If Clement is to win back any of the many fans who want him to leave Rangers, significant changes are needed. Yes, his squad has its limitations and is short on options in some areas, but it still possesses enough quality to keep them competitive with Celtic and avoid being humiliated by lower league opposition.
Repeating the same errors over and over, while expecting different outcomes, is a key reason why Rangers find themselves in such dire straits right now. Wingers are often playing on the wrong side, and cross after cross is sent into a crowded penalty area with little effect.
Although Clement frequently talks about “beating the block,” he has yet to devise a strategy that consistently accomplishes this goal. It isn’t solely about having a more consistent team or bringing in better players; it’s about changing an approach that, all too often, just doesn’t work.
The onus is now on the manager to adjust his tactics and get his squad to perform at a higher level. Without making these changes, the cycle of disappointing results will likely persist, further alienating the fans and jeopardizing the club’s future ambitions.
Facing the Music
Ultimately, the pressure on Philippe Clement is immense. Not only must he secure better results on the pitch, but he also needs to restore confidence among the supporters who have grown increasingly disillusioned. The challenge isn’t just tactical—it’s also about reestablishing a connection with the fanbase and proving that his methods can lead to success.
For now, the media and the supporters remain highly critical, watching closely to see if Clement can turn things around. The task before him is daunting: he must transform a tired, underperforming side into one capable of competing at the highest levels, both domestically and in Europe.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether the manager can implement the necessary changes. The future of his tenure at Rangers hangs in the balance, and the coming fixtures will be crucial in determining if he can bring about the turnaround that the club desperately needs.
In short, while Philippe Clement stands by his decision to remain at Rangers, the harsh reality is that significant tactical and personnel adjustments are required if he hopes to win back the trust of the fans and lead the team out of its current slump. Only time will tell if he can rise to the challenge and steer Rangers back to success, or if his reluctance to alter his approach will ultimately prove fatal to his tenure.
