Rangers situation Philippe Clement would ‘bite your hand off for’ shared for clash v Benfica
Philippe Clement would “bite your hand off” for a draw when Rangers go head-to-head against Benfica on Thursday (7 March), according to Kheredine Idessane.
Writing on the BBC Sport website on Wednesday (6 March), the journalist said the clash against the Portuguese champions would be a “difficult enough assignment at the best of times”, but that the hosts will be looking to “prove a point” after losing 5-0 to Porto on 3 March.
After the Gers lost 2-1 to Motherwell on 2 March, he believes getting a positive result in Lisbon would be just the tonic Clement’s side need, adding that the Belgian would settle for the spoils to be shared in the Europa League last-16 tie ahead of the return fixture at Ibrox.
“The champions of Portugal would be a difficult enough assignment at the best of times,” said Idessane. “The fact they’ve just shipped five goals to Porto might mean Rangers are dealing with a team with a point to prove to their own fans.
“Philippe Clement’s side, too, are on the rebound and are having to do something they’ve only had to do once before under his command – respond to a deflating defeat.
“After losing the derby at Celtic Park, Rangers went on a run of 11 straight wins. They haven’t suffered successive defeats since the beginning of October, and would be mightily pleased should that remain the case this week.
“Getting a positive result against top-class opposition in an intimidating arena would be just the tonic following the disappointment of the home loss to Motherwell. They shared six goals on their last visit to the Portuguese capital under Steven Gerrard four years ago. I’m pretty sure Clement would bite your hand off for another draw.”
Philippe Clement looking for Rangers response against Benfica
There is no doubt that Clement will be looking for a response from his Rangers side after the disappointing defeat against Motherwell.
The Gers had been in excellent form before that game and they will be keen to ensure they remain in the tie by the time the sides play again at Ibrox.
It will be interesting to see what kind of response there is from the Benfica side after they suffered a blow to their title hopes in the crushing loss against Porto.
But Clement will be focusing on what his side can do and where their strengths lie, rather than worrying about what threats the opposition could pose.
While the title race with Celtic is undoubtedly the priority for the Light Blues, putting together a strong run in Europe could help improve the positive atmosphere around the club further.
In other Rangers news, Jack Butland has shared which “huge” Ibrox moment wowed him.
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