10:56 am - February 12, 2025
Philippe Clement’s Position as Rangers Manager Remains Uncertain Amid Mounting Pressure
Philippe Clement is set to continue as Rangers manager ahead of the Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts on Sunday, despite growing pressure from fans following a shock 1-0 defeat to Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup. This loss has effectively ended Rangers’ hopes of domestic silverware this season, with the club now 13 points behind Celtic in the league and having already been defeated by their Old Firm rivals in the League Cup final. Fans have been vocal in calling for Clement’s dismissal after just 16 months in charge, but the Belgian manager has remained defiant, insisting he is not considering stepping down. Despite the criticism, it appears business as usual at Ibrox, with Clement preparing his team for the upcoming fixture against Hearts, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Rangers’ Domestic Struggles and the Board’sBacking of Clement
Rangers’ poor domestic form has been a significant source of frustration for fans, with the club’s title hopes all but over and their Scottish Cup campaign ended by Championship side Queen’s Park. However, CEO Patrick Stewart has opted not to make any hasty decisions, reiterating his support for Clement just a month ago. Stewart emphasized that constant managerial changes are not the solution, citing his experience during his time at Old Trafford. He has instead initiated a "root and branch review" of the football department, led by external experts, in an effort to address the underlying issues that have plagued the club in recent seasons. While no guarantees have been offered, Stewart’s approach suggests a focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.
Kris Boyd’s Scathing Criticism of Clement’s Management
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has been highly critical of Clement’s tenure, describing the season as "really poor" and the defeat to Queen’s Park as "unacceptable." Boyd pointed out that Rangers’ domestic campaign is effectively over before the middle of February, with the club trailing Celtic by 13 points in the league and having been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions. While Rangers’ progression to the Europa League last-16 has provided some positives, Boyd argued that this success has "papered over the cracks" of the team’s domestic struggles. He also highlighted the lack of trust between the players and the manager, citing the inconsistent treatment of key players such as James Tavernier, Ianis Hagi, and Nicolas Raskin, who have gone from being fringe players to regular starters without a clear explanation.
Clement’s Defiance and Frustration Over Recent Results
Clement has remained resolute in the face of mounting criticism, stating that he does not expect to be sacked and that he will not consider resigning. The Rangers boss acknowledged the frustration of fans but emphasized that decisions should not be made based on emotions or a single result. Clement pointed to the progress made in European competition and the need for consistency in the league, arguing that these objectives cannot be achieved with knee-jerk reactions. He also expressed his own frustration at the Scottish Cup exit, describing the result as "unacceptable" and "f** frustrating." Clement acknowledged the importance of domestic success for Rangers and accepted that the defeat to Queen’s Park was a significant setback in the club’s quest for silverware.
Fan Reactions and Growing Calls for Change
The pressure on Clement has been further intensified by growing dissatisfaction among Rangers fans, who are demanding action from the club’s hierarchy. Fan podcast host Ricki Neill summed up the mood, admitting that he has changed his mind on Clement’s future multiple times but now believes the manager’s position may be untenable. Neill criticized the lack of investment in the squad, particularly the failure to sign a proven goal scorer, and questioned whether Clement retains the support of the dressing room. The financial implications of poor results have also been raised, with falling attendances at Ibrox adding to the urgency for improvement. Fans are calling for clarity on Clement’s future and greater transparency from the board about their plans to address the club’s on-field struggles.
What’s Next for Rangers and Philippe Clement?
Rangers face a crucial period in their season, with a series of challenging fixtures ahead, including a trip to Hearts and a potentially decisive clash with Celtic in March. The club’s Europa League campaign also resumes in early March, offering a glimmer of hope for redemption. However, domestic expectations remain high, and anything less than significant improvement is likely to intensify the pressure on Clement. For now, the Rangers hierarchy appears committed to its long-term vision, but the patience of fans and the board may wear thin if results do not improve. Clement’s ability to turn things around will ultimately determine whether he remains in charge or becomes the latest casualty of Rangers’ ongoing struggles.