“I want to speak about that. It’s really clear…” – Rangers boss, Philippe Clement, opens up on links with major European job; reveals he has a plan for Celtic.

Philippe Clement, the manager of Rangers Football Club, has reaffirmed his commitment to the club, dispelling rumors linking him to the managerial position at Anderlecht. As Rangers prepare for their Europa League opener against Malmo, Clement has made it clear that he is fully dedicated to the project at Ibrox and has no intention of leaving anytime soon.

Clement’s Commitment to Rangers

Since joining Rangers, Clement has faced various challenges, including speculation about his future. On the eve of a crucial European match, he addressed these rumors head-on, emphasizing his long-term commitment to the club.

“I want to speak about that,” Clement said. “It’s really clear, I engaged myself long-term for Rangers last month, so whoever comes, whatever team comes, I’m not going to go away. I’m really clear. I want this project with the club to be really successful for the future, and we all know we need time for that. We need a few transfer windows, a lot of work, and that’s what I want to do.”

Clement expressed his love for the city, the club, and the passionate fanbase at Ibrox, further solidifying his dedication to Rangers. He believes that with time and the right resources, he can lead the team to greater heights.

Support from the Club’s Leadership

Clement’s position at Rangers is backed by the club’s interim chairman, John Gilligan, who has pledged financial support for the January transfer window. This assurance has provided Clement with the confidence that the club’s leadership is aligned with his vision for the future.

“It’s important and necessary,” Clement remarked. He acknowledged the difficulties faced during the summer transfer window but remains optimistic about the upcoming opportunities to strengthen the squad. “Of course, as a manager, you hope to get more funds to do the right thing for the club, but with the resources that were there, I think everybody is starting to see that a lot of good things have been made.”

Clement is already planning for the future, with discussions underway regarding potential signings in January and beyond. He emphasized the importance of having the necessary financial backing to bring in the right players to enhance the team’s performance.

Injury Woes and Squad Challenges

While Clement remains focused on the long-term goals for Rangers, he is currently dealing with significant challenges, particularly regarding injuries within the squad. The team’s left-back position has been a point of concern, with both Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz unavailable. Jefte is suspended, while Yilmaz is sidelined due to injury.

Dujon Sterling is expected to step in to fill the void, but the absence of key players like Oscar Cortes, who has also been ruled out due to injury, complicates the situation further. Clement confirmed that Cortes suffered a knock in training, which will keep him out of action for several weeks.

“He got a knock and will be out for several weeks, so that’s a disappointing thing because he was growing back to his best level, showing the player that he was, or that he is, and that he will be in the future,” Clement explained. “It’s football—you have lucky moments and unlucky moments. This was an unlucky one, not a crazy tackle, but you have duels in football, and then things can happen.”

Clement expressed hope that Cortes’s string of bad luck with injuries would come to an end, allowing him to regain his form and contribute to the team’s success moving forward.

Looking Ahead

As Rangers gear up for their Europa League match against Malmo, the pressure is on Clement to deliver results, despite the challenges he faces. The manager is aware that the upcoming fixtures are critical, not just for the team’s standing in the competition but also for maintaining the confidence of the supporters.

However, Clement remains focused on the bigger picture. He understands that success at Rangers will require time, patience, and strategic planning. His commitment to the club and his belief in the potential of his players are driving him to overcome the current obstacles and lead the team to success.

Clement’s message to the fans and the club’s leadership is clear: he is here to stay, and he is determined to make his mark at Rangers. With the support of the board and the backing of the fans, he believes that the team can achieve its goals, both in the short term and in the seasons to come.

As Rangers continue their journey under Clement’s guidance, the focus remains on building a team that can compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe. The upcoming transfer windows will be crucial in shaping the squad, but with Clement’s commitment and vision, there is optimism that brighter days lie ahead for the club.