Derek McInnes wowed by what Philippe Clement has done, shares ‘tough’ Rangers admission
Derek McInnes has admitted he enjoys the way Philippe Clement plays ahead of the Rangers game against Kilmarnock on Wednesday (28 February).
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the clash (via BBC Sport, 27 February), the Killie boss said there is “far more robustness” about the Gers compared to when they suffered a defeat at Rugby Park on the opening day of the campaign.
He added that there’s a directness, simplicity and organisation to the Light Blues, while he expects it to be a “tough game” against the SPL leaders, who he believes his side can cause problems when they meet in East Ayrshire.
“The biggest compliment I can give the current manager is that even with a lot of the players that played that day, there’s far more robustness about Rangers,” said McInness. “There is a strength about them, they certainly have the added confidence that winning gives you.
“When maybe the performance that day [defeat in August] was a wee bit unsure, there is a certainty about them now. You know what you’re going to get. I actually like the way he plays, there is a directness, there is a simplicity, an organisation, you see the detail in their work in and out of possession.
“They don’t think they are anything they are not. They play forward, they ask the question, put balls in the box, take shots on from distance. They work you and you need to be able to stand up to that.
“We’re expecting a tough game but equally, I expect Rangers to get a tough game from us, if we can be anything like ourselves. We feel there is a performance in us that can upset Rangers and cause Rangers problems.”
Rangers could make statement against Kilmarnock
This is a great opportunity for Rangers to pick up a statement-making win against Kilmarnock and show that their early-season form is well behind them.
The Gers are a completely different animal under the guidance of Clement, with the club’s fortunes turning around dramatically since he walked through the door at Ibrox in October.
Killie will be no pushover, though, as they currently sit fourth in the SPL table and have already picked up a couple of scalps over both Old Firm clubs so far this season.
But the Light Blues will be full of confidence heading to Rugby Park after convincingly sweeping aside a Hearts team that was in great form before being beaten 5-0 at Ibrox on Saturday.
Clement will be looking for his side to be strong at the back and to take their chances as they look to pick up another important victory in their pursuit of the SPL title.
In other Rangers news, Jack Butland has shared which “huge” Ibrox moment wowed him.
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