Philippe Clement: Rangers have ‘everything’ to reach Europa League knockout stage
Philippe Clement believes Rangers have what it takes to reach the knockout stages of the Europa League with a victory over Real Betis.
A 1-1 draw against Aris on Thursday night has left Rangers with their fate in their own hands, with the Gers, Real Betis and Sparta Prague all capable of reaching the knockout stages.
With just the group leaders left to play in Real Betis, Clement is positive that Rangers will be able to qualify for the next stage of the tournament by beating the Spaniards in their own backyard.
“We have everything to win there,” Clement stated to News Letter on Friday (1 December). “We already have European football in the new year but we can also win the group.
“So for sure that is going to be the idea – to win the game and end the group in the right way.”
European success
The whole of Ibrox will be itching for a piece of European silverware. Rangers were unable to progress in the Champions League but were given a second chance in the Europa League.
Despite the disappointing results in both legs against Aris Limassol, losing 2-1 in Cyprus and the stalemate at home on Thursday night, the Gers are still in with a chance of topping Group C.
Up next is the Green and Whites – seventh in La Liga and top of Group C. Their loss to Sparta Prague last time out has left Rangers with an inch of hope. Clement and his men cannot afford to go hell for leather, though.
The Gers could still finish third in the group, which would shun them to yet another tournament – the Europa Conference League. They will need to stay compact and smart, choosing the right time to pounce.
The object should be to win, and it will be. But it is important to keep one eye open with Sparta Prague also aiming for the knockout stages.
In other Rangers news, Clement is working wonders on and off the pitch at Ibrox as Gers contract news emerges.