Simon Jordan drops ‘night and day’ verdict over Philippe Clement and Michael Beale at Rangers
Simon Jordan has shared his verdict live on air about the difference between Michael Beale and Philippe Clement’s reigns at Rangers.
The latter was appointed as manager at Ibrox after Beale was fired in October and has since gone on an incredible run with the Gers, helping them claim the top spot in the Scottish Premiership.
Despite being pegged back twice against Benfica in the Europa League on Thursday 8 March, Rangers showed incredible grit and determination, which can be brought back to Ibrox for the second leg where they will hope to progress after that 2-2 draw in the opening contest.
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Friday (8 March, 10:14am), Jordan said: “With all due respect to Michael Beale, I don’t want to pour more vitriol on the stuff he’s already got, but it shows a difference between managers and people who want to be managers is night and day.
“Clement has got Rangers to be a formidable outfit.”
Can Rangers advance in the Europa League against Benfica?
Tom Lawrence opened the scoring with a smart header, rounding off a well-worked team move after just seven minutes. Though this was cancelled out by an Angel Di Maria penalty, Dujon Sterling popped up to slam home in added time in the first half.
It looked as though the Gers were going to bring a victory back to Scotland ahead of the second leg at Ibrox on Thursday 14 March, but a Connor Goldson own goal meant they had to settle for the draw.
To be fair to Beale, Rangers were not awful in Europe before Clement arrived, but the Belgian has installed a new-found confidence in the side, which has helped them to compete in more than one competition.
After just a few weeks of the Scottish Premiership campaign, the league title already looked out of sight, with Old Firm rivals Celtic taking a considerable lead. That gap has been closed by Clement, with the Gers taking the top spot while also battling for the Europa League trophy.
Much to the displeasure of the Celtic fans, Rangers are still capable of bringing a treble of trophies to Ibrox this season, having won the Scottish League Cup in December.
In other Rangers news, read our player ratings from the 2-2 draw with Benfica.
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.