Philippe Clement message to Rangers squad at Auchenhowie revealed
Philippe Clement was quick to let his Rangers players know that the cup celebrations were over as soon as they returned to Auchenhowie, according to the Scottish Daily Mail.
Journalist Brian Majoribanks reported in the newspaper’s print edition [19 December, page 63] that, while Clement was keen to enjoy his first cup victory as Rangers boss, he made sure his players knew when it was time to focus.
Upon their return to training at Auchenhowie, the boss looked each player in the eye to determine whether they had the hunger required to take them to the next level and challenge Celtic for the title.
Writing for the Scottish Daily Mail [19 December], Majoribanks shared: “Mindful of not always truly savouring the big moments after previously winning silverware in his career, the Belgian was determined to enjoy his first cup victory as manager of Rangers.
“But the no-nonsense 49-year-old had a stern warning awaiting when his Viaplay Cup-winning players returned for training ahead of tomorrow night’s home match with St Johnstone at Ibrox.
“With so much at stake, the Rangers squad were told on their return to training that the party is over as Clement looked each player in the eye to find out who has the hunger to reach the next level of their shared journey.”
Time to knuckle down
Now, perhaps more than ever, it will be crucial for these Rangers players to get their heads down and push forward in their training and preparation for every single game. To refocus their minds and get back in the zone after the jubilation of the cup victory.
With an SPFL clash against St Johnstone on the horizon, there is always the possibility of a trip up if overconfidence is allowed to creep in. Clement will ensure his players are just as focused on this game as they were ahead of Sunday’s clash at Hampden Park.
Celtic’s slip-up against Hearts, while providing an opportunity to Rangers, will also have proved a stark reminder to the Ibrox club that they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas in preparation for each game.
The gap between the top two has been cut to five points, with Clement’s side holding two games in hand, meaning they have an ideal opportunity to move into top spot and must make sure they don’t fail in their chance.
In other Rangers news, Jeff Stelling could not believe what Ally McCoist told him about one Gers star.