Kenny Miller moots ‘massive setback’ for Philippe Clement and Rangers as ‘unusual’ verdict shared
It will be a “massive setback” for Rangers and their manager Philippe Clement if they don’t win the Viaplay Cup final.
That is according to Kenny Miller, who has slammed the Gers after they failed to defeat Aris Limassol in the Europa League on Thursday (30 November).
Clement’s men will meet Real Betis in a decider next month, just three days before they take on Aberdeen in the cup final.
“In midweek, the opportunity was there to blow away the group’s bottom seeds and qualify for the Europa League knockouts with a game to go,” Miller wrote for the Daily Record. “Again, they couldn’t get the job done. Why?
“If they’d beaten the Cypriots it would have given Clement the option of resting players against Betis three days before the Viaplay Cup final at Hampden. How crucial might that have been?
“I don’t care what Clement or anyone at the club says, I’m not sure they realise just how big this game is on December 17. They HAVE to lift that trophy. If they don’t it will be a massive setback for the manager and the club. At Rangers, a disappointing performance should be unusual. It feels right now like the other way round.”
Crucial period
After a very strong start to his Rangers tenure, Clement is having a few issues, namely the disappointing draw with Aris Limassol on home soil.
The European clash was the perfect opportunity to ease some pressure on his shoulders, particularly with group leaders Real Betis losing 1-0 to Sparta Prague.
But the draw at Ibrox means the Gers are second in the group going into the final game with the Spanish side, who are one point ahead in first place.
The home supporters made their thoughts clear against the Cypriot club, with the Gers heading for a shock defeat until young winger Ross McCausland netted an equaliser off the bench.
It simply means that Rangers have shot themselves in the foot regarding what is to come, which is a very busy and crucial period in all competitions.
Along with the two cup competitions, the Glasgow club must also stay focused on their league campaign as they look to close the gap on leaders Celtic.
In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist was blown away by one Gers player who “looked the part” against Aris Limassol.