Rangers: Journalist defends Ibrox director after behind-the-scenes revelation emerges
Rangers’ director’s suggestion that domestic silverware may be more important than progression in Europe is “understandable” according to Michael Gannon.
The Light Blues drew the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash with Benfica and now face a trip to Easter Road to face Hibernian in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup on Sunday (10 March).
However, Philippe Clement confirmed in Portugal that one Ibrox chief told the Belgian that prioritising progression in Scotland may be more important than the Europa League and Sunday Mail journalist Gannon has defended that stance.
Writing in the Sunday Mail (10 March, page 56) he said: “Philippe Clement’s revelation in Portugal about one of Rangers directors suggesting domestic silverware might be more important than Europe didn’t exactly come as much of a surprise.
“Plenty of fans are fully on board with that notion. It’s understandable. Rangers have not exactly stockpiled major trophies on the home front in the last decade and each one of them is special.”
Will Philippe Clement be able to lead Rangers to an unprecedented treble at Ibrox?
Rangers have found themselves in an incredibly exciting position under Clement’s management and the Light Blues could genuinely now lift three or more titles this season having already won the Viaplay Cup in December.
It seems unlikely that the Gers could stretch their limited resources across four competitions this season, but they have shown in recent weeks that they are capable of managing that workload and going toe to toe with anyone they face.
There is always the risk that Rangers and Clement will come away empty-handed if they spread themselves too thinly, but the Belgian isn’t the sort of coach to throw away an opportunity at silverware to try and secure something else.
Clement genuinely seems to believe his side is capable of lifting each and every trophy this season. Whether or not they will remains to be seen, but Rangers know they can beat Benfica and book their place in the Europa League quarter-finals.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has made a new Ibrox transfer admission about midfielder Mohammed Diomande
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