Philippe Clement reveals £120m Rangers detail he read in newspaper after draw v Benfica
Philippe Clement has revealed what he read in a newspaper about the transfer value of the Benfica squad compared to his Rangers side before the game on Thursday (7 March).
Speaking to TNT Sports after his side played out a 2-2 draw against the Primeira Liga champions, the Belgian said the newspaper had claimed the hosts’ side was worth £120million more than his Gers players.
He added that he couldn’t ask for more than what the Light Blues showed in the Portuguese capital as they put themselves in a strong position to earn a place in the Europa League quarter-finals heading into the second leg at Ibrox on 14 March.
“Big challenge, you’ve seen the quality that they have,” said Clement. “I read in a newspaper that their transfer value is £120million more than ours, so we know it’s a big task, but I can’t ask for more than what my players gave me today.”
Rangers players proved their worth against Benfica
It was never going to be an easy task for the Rangers players heading to Lisbon, but they can be proud of their performance as they earned a draw against Benfica.
The hosts have never lost at The Estadio da Luz in the Europa League before, with the Gers going close to breaking that record before a Connor Goldson own goal ensured it ended all square.
The Portuguese side showed flashes of the quality they possess on the night, but Clement’s side matched up to them well and didn’t look in any way inferior to their opponents.
The two sides will go head-to-head again at Ibrox next week and the Light Blues fans will be confident that their team can do the job and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
But Clement’s immediate focus will switch back to domestic action, where his side face an important game against Hibernian in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals on Sunday (10 March).
In other Rangers news, a journalist has mooted a potential Ibrox exit as the Gers look to kickstart their player-trading model.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.