Sport nationRangers Fans Divided on Phillipe Clement’s First Year
Phillipe Clement’s first year as Rangers manager has sparked mixed reactions from fans. BBC Sport gathered views from supporters, revealing a divide on Clement’s performance. The French manager took over at Ibrox amidst high expectations, but his tenure has been marked by inconsistency and disappointment.
Steven, a Rangers fan, expressed his frustration: “I was happy with Clement at the end of the season, but unfortunately, now I think we are starting to see certain aspects of him which we have seen before with Pedro Caixinha, plus it’s very hard to enjoy our football. I think his time is running out as our manager.” This sentiment echoes the concerns of many fans who feel Clement’s tactics have not yielded desired results.
On the other hand, Jamie offered a more optimistic assessment: “It’s a sorry time for Rangers. Clement has done well with limited resources. I think the club needs stability, and I think he will provide it. Sort out the boardroom issues and get the team back to where it belongs.” Jamie’s comments highlight the challenges Clement faces in managing with limited funds.
Robert, another fan, pointed to Rangers’ lack of style and game plan: “One year into the job, and I still feel as if Rangers have no real style of play and at times no obvious game plan. Failing to really lay a glove on Celtic has been extremely disappointing. Failure to sign Lawrence Shankland probably cost Rangers the league last season.” Robert’s concerns underscore the team’s struggles against their Glasgow rivals.
Fraser succinctly summarized the pressure on Clement: “The sad fact about playing football in Glasgow is there is no runners-up. So unless Clement finds a way to beat Celtic, and soon, he will be judged a failure.” This sentiment reflects the high stakes of the Old Firm rivalry.
Finlay acknowledged Clement’s achievements but tempered his praise: “Clement has done a great job coming in to take up a club in a mess and make some changes after the mess that Michael Beale had left us. With a League Cup win and top of the league for a while, Clement has certainly done more than his predecessor.” Finlay’s comments highlight the improvements Clement has made.
Ian offered unwavering support: “Absolutely the man for the job. He’s trying to compete on very little money with some players who don’t seem to grasp the enormity of the club and its supporters’ demands for success. He must be given time, and more importantly, money to spend on a couple of players, a defensive midfielder and a hard, no-nonsense defender, not a shrinking violet.”
Allan shared Ian’s optimism: “Clement is building a squad which will take time to gel. He is working with a limited budget, which is smaller than he expected. For me, he is doing a good job with what he has at his disposal. We need to give him time and lower expectations for a while. I believe that he will come good.”
However, Iain’s assessment was less favorable: “We have stood still for over a year. Average players, our main striker is not good enough to be classed as average, lack of investment in quality players, no pattern or consistency in our play, on our many days off form the entire team plays badly, not just one or two. And although I was initially very supportive of Clement, I am no longer so.”
Billy echoed Iain’s concerns: “Clement started extremely well, but a home loss to Motherwell unmasked the lack of character in a lot of the squad. Long term, it’s looking bleak for us, too many injuries, no depth. It all points toward the fundamental lack of finances. I pray I’m wrong.”
Ronnie’s evaluation was blunt: “Overall, it has been disappointing. Every Rangers manager will be rated by what we do against Celtic and where we are in regards to titles. We are no closer to Celtic under Clement. Our transfers in and out have been very poor. So sorry, Phil, it’s a four out of 10 from me.”
Ross remained hopeful: “He is a brilliant manager, and there is no denying it, but there are a few departments lacking these days. Losing out on the league was probably Beale’s fault, but it still hurts. He needs more time to improve the team this season.”
The diverse opinions from Rangers fans reflect the complexities of Clement’s tenure. While some fans acknowledge the difficulties he faces, others are impatient for success. Clement’s ability to address these concerns will shape his future at the club.
As Clement navigates the challenges at Ibrox, he must balance short-term expectations with long-term goals. The pressure to compete with Celtic weighs heavily on Rangers, and Clement’s tactics will be scrutinized.
Clement’s experience in managing with limited resources may prove invaluable. His ability to adapt and innovate within these constraints will be crucial.
Rangers’ fans’ expectations are multifaceted. Stability, consistency, and improved performances against Celtic are paramount.
Amina Umar
Sport nation
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