Philippe Clement’s Position Under Threat?
Philippe Clement’s tenure as Rangers manager has been a rollercoaster ride, and speculation about his job security continues. However, according to former footballer and BBC Sportscene pundit Mark Wilson, Clement may not face the sack even if Rangers lose to Hibs at Easter Road on Sunday.
Wilson, speaking on Open Goal on 3 January, acknowledged that the 3-0 victory against Celtic on Thursday might have bought Clement some much-needed breathing space at Ibrox. “If you lost a game against Celtic and went 17 points [behind], that’s like a big statement. How do you save your job?” said Wilson. “He’s almost banked a bit of credit for the game yesterday. If he goes to Easter Road and gets beat, he’ll be fine for now.”
The question remains whether this newfound credit will last if results do not consistently improve.
Clement’s Tactical Challenges at Rangers
The 3-0 win against Celtic undoubtedly boosted morale among Rangers fans and the board. However, one victory—no matter how significant—cannot erase the underlying issues within the squad. Philippe Clement has been struggling to extract consistent performances from his players, raising questions about his long-term suitability for the role.
While Rangers have shown glimpses of their potential under Clement, they’ve also displayed vulnerability, particularly in matches against less formidable opposition. For a club of Rangers’ stature, scraping through games despite dominating possession is simply not good enough.
Easter Road: A Litmus Test for Clement
Sunday’s clash at Easter Road against Hibs is shaping up to be a defining moment for Clement and his team. Hibs currently sit seventh in the Scottish Premiership standings, a position that reflects their struggles this season. On paper, this is a match Rangers should comfortably win.
Yet, as recent performances have shown, nothing can be taken for granted. A loss to Hibs would undoubtedly reignite questions about Clement’s tactical approach, team selection, and overall vision for the club.
Rangers’ Underperformance: A Persistent Issue
Clement inherited a Rangers side that was already grappling with inconsistency. However, the Belgian manager has not yet managed to reverse this trend. While the victory against Celtic provided a glimpse of what this team can achieve, their inability to maintain that level of performance is concerning.
The Rangers faithful have been vocal in their frustrations, pointing out the lack of fluidity in the team’s play and the difficulty they face in breaking down opponents. Despite dominating possession in several games, they have struggled to translate that dominance into convincing victories.
The upcoming match against Hibs will test whether Clement can instill the consistency required to compete at the highest level.
The Board’s Dilemma: Stick or Twist?
The Rangers board finds itself in a precarious position. On one hand, sacking Philippe Clement so soon after a victory over Celtic might seem drastic. On the other, failing to address the team’s underlying issues could jeopardize their long-term aspirations.
As Wilson pointed out, the win against Celtic has given Clement “a bit of credit” in the bank. However, credit in football is a fleeting currency. If Rangers fail to secure a win against Hibs, the board may have no choice but to reevaluate Clement’s position.
The decision is not just about results but also about the direction the club wants to take. Is Philippe Clement the man to lead Rangers back to domestic dominance and European relevance? Or is a change in leadership necessary to achieve those goals?
What’s Next for Rangers?
Regardless of the outcome against Hibs, one thing is clear: Rangers must improve under Philippe Clement. Consistency, creativity, and clinical finishing are non-negotiable if they are to compete with rivals like Celtic and make strides in European competitions.
For Clement, the road ahead will be anything but easy. He must address the squad’s weaknesses, inspire confidence among the players, and deliver results that match the club’s ambitions.
As for the Rangers board and fans, patience may be wearing thin. The victory over Celtic has bought Clement some time, but whether he can capitalize on it remains to be seen.
Conclusion
Philippe Clement’s future as Rangers manager hangs in the balance. While the 3-0 win against Celtic has temporarily eased the pressure, the Belgian must deliver consistent performances to retain the trust of the board and fans. The match against Hibs at Easter Road is more than just another league game—it’s a chance for Clement to prove that he can guide Rangers to sustained success.
Whether the board will give him the time he needs or opt for a change remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on Easter Road.
Source: Ibrox News
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