Derek Ferguson disagrees with Philippe Clement October comments amid Rangers ‘Godsend’ verdict
Derek Ferguson disagrees with something Rangers boss Philippe Clement said about himself in October and believes he has been a “Godsend” for the club.
The Belgian was appointed at Ibrox on October 15 and told the media two days later “I’m not a magician” (Daily Record, 17 February) as he spoke about his desire for a clean sweep of trophies.
At the time, Rangers were seven points adrift of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership but a solitary defeat – which came against the Bhoys – under Clement since then has seen them take a two-point lead at the top.
Former Rangers man Ferguson – speaking exclusively to Ibrox News – described Clement as a “Godsend” and even thinks his own opinion was initially wrong.
“The job he’s done, it’s been miraculous, it’s been quite incredible, and that’s because of the mess he found himself going into it,” he said.
“And it was a mess, let’s not beat around the bush, it was horrendous, you could see clearly that players maybe weren’t sharp enough, weren’t fit enough, tactically I think players were confused at time.
“Clement since he’s come in, he’s simplified everything, he’s got a clear message to the players in terms of tactics but you look at them as athletes and they look fitter, they look sharper.
“I don’t understand why that should be the case. the last manager left us in a bit of a mess, he’s come in and for him to actually get us in this position where we are at the minute it’s incredible.
“You go back three or four months ago I thought it was done and dusted to be honest with you, it’s terrible to say this but I had given up hope.
“Thank God for Philippe Clement, he has been unbelievable he says he’s not a magician – I disagree I think he is a bit of a magician with what he’s produced. The thing I love about him is his honesty, his respect for everyone. He’s been an absolute Godsend for us.”
Can Rangers win the Scottish Premiership under Philippe Clement?
Had this question been asked four months ago when Clement took over most people, including a lot of Rangers fans if they’re being honest, would have just laughed.
Well, one person who wasn’t laughing was Clement himself. He had that steely look of a man who felt he could turn the situation around.
And boy has he turned it around. Rangers now have the momentum and the lead in the title race, something that is pretty remarkable given where they were when he joined.
There is still a huge amount of work to do if they are to beat Celtic to the trophy but the fact they even made it a race is pretty impressive in itself.
In other Rangers news, Chris Jack has shared the club’s transfer stance amid a £20m sale suggestion.
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