Gary Keown: ‘Alarming’ James Tavernier admission flies under the radar at Rangers
An admission by James Tavernier about the fitness of the Rangers team is “alarming”, according to Gary Keown.
Writing on page 97 of the Scottish Mail on Sunday on 12 November, the journalist said the 32-year-old’s comments about Philippe Clement wanting the team to be “fitter and stronger” after the 2-1 victory over Sparta Prague on Thursday (9 November) “passed without great comment”.
He added that it is a “reflection” on professional footballers, who are paid thousands a week, that the new Gers boss doesn’t believe they are “fit and strong enough” to play high-tempo football for 90 minutes.
It will improve
While the Rangers players have to shoulder some of the blame for not being as fit as Clement would have liked, it’s Michael Beale and the fitness staff that are largely at fault.
It was clear in some games – particularly in Europe – that the Gers weren’t up to the required standard fitness-wise under the Englishman as they burnt out towards the end of matches.
But the new Light Blues manager has clearly pinpointed it as an issue and he will be ensuring that the situation improves over the next few weeks.
The players raced out of the traps against Sparta Prague on Thursday, with Danilo and Todd Cantwell putting them 2-0 up after 20 minutes before Lukas Haraslin pulled a late goal back for the visitors.
It has been an excellent start for Clement overall, though, after picking up five wins out of six and remaining unbeaten since taking over at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, the Gers have agreed terms ahead of a January appointment.