Personality clash strains Philippe Clement and Todd Cantwell relationship to breaking point at Rangers – Keith Jackson
Philippe Clement’s relationship with Todd Cantwell at Rangers already seems “strained to breaking point”, according to Keith Jackson.
The Daily Record journalist wrote for the paper’s website on 4 December that a “glaringly obvious personality clash” is behind the difficulties between the pair, with the manager accused of “making it all very personal and maybe even petty” when he took the midfielder off before half time against Aris Limassol instead of the “atrocious” Sam Lammers and Jose Cifuentes.
With Cantwell, 25, considered key as the Light Blues’ “creator in chief” Jackson believes the situation between him and the Belgian coach is “utterly fascinating” because Clement needs the former Norwich player to make any success of this season, but after displaying “strong management” in starting the Englishman for the 2-0 victory over St Mirren it could be key to overcoming the stand off.
Jackson said: “If there has been some sort of stand-off or simmering bad blood between the pair, stretching back to the semi final of the Viaplay Cup when Cantwell was axed at half time, then now would seem like an appropriate moment for the hatchet to be buried.
“Clement will find that this job of his will be made all the more easier the more Cantwell is coordinating his attack rather than stropping from a seat on his bench.”
Thaw
Plenty of fans would have named Cantwell as the best player in the Rangers squad at the end of last season so his regression since then has been alarming.
But it is likely true that, barring some key signings that it is yet to be seen are even possible, Clement needs to get the best out of him to get his side performing anywhere near their full capability.
On the basis of the action in the first half of the midweek European draw the manager clearly made a mistake to single out Cantwell when it was his decision to play him out of position in the first place, while starting Lammers and leaving Ross McCausland on the bench for no obvious reason.
If it was all part of a master plan to spark Cantwell into life in the subsequent SPFL visit of St Mirren then perhaps Clement is thinking a number of steps ahead the rest of us, but even if it was just a matter of him realising his previous error that is still a positive.
Assists for both of Abdallah Sima’s goals, the second particularly impressive, was a solid response from the player and if it is the start of a return to form it will be very welcome all round.
It would appear that it has taken some time for Clement and Cantwell to understand each other, but it’s better late than never if this latest drama has forced them to overcome it.
Chris Sutton has accused his fellow former Canaries player of being difficult where the man himself would suggest he’s been unfairly treated, but unless he’s actually done anything specifically wrong at Ibrox the club would be better off if his current boss can forge a good working relationship with him.
In other Rangers news, a pundit has been left “literally staggered” by what a wasteful figure has done at Ibrox to squander millions.