Jermain Defoe shares what Rangers players truly think about Philippe Clement ahead of Celtic clash
Former Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has shared what his old teammates have told him about manager Philippe Clement, ahead of Saturday’s crucial Old Firm clash at Celtic.
Defoe – who played at Ibrox between 2020 and 2022 – claimed the Rangers players “love” Clement, speaking to Sky Sports on 8 May.
A win for Rangers at Celtic Park on Saturday (11 May) would close the gap and bring the sides level on points heading into the final two matches of the Scottish Premiership season.
A win for Celtic – something boss Brendan Rodgers has exhibited his confidence in – would open the gap to six points and make it virtually impossible for Rangers to regain the Scottish title.
With the two Glasgow giants set to face off in the Scottish Cup final at the end of the month – albeit with the Light Blues having already secured the Scottish League Cup – Clement’s season could go to one of two extremes.
Former Gers man Defoe said: “The players love him. Apparently he’s a really nice guy, but he’s big on standards.
“And you have to be when you’re Rangers manager. The way they play is really exciting, and it’s going to be an interesting finish – I still think the boys can do it.”
Rangers’ season on a knife-edge
Not for a long time have two Old Firm derbies at the end of a season had the ability to dictate the Gers’ campaign to such an extent.
Clement knows that. After a shaky first half, his side critically got the job done in a chaotic clash against Kilmarnock last Sunday and kept themselves in the mix.
With key performers having pulled Rangers to this stage, the performances of the likes of Jack Butland and James Tavernier will as ever be crucial against a Celtic side with plenty of in-form attacking force.
Clement has certainly transformed the belief in the Rangers dressing room since arriving in October, and Saturday represents a last-chance saloon to get a firm grip on their Glasgow rivals. They have no time to be conservative and play for the draw – the gap is there to be closed.
In other Rangers news, an injury update has been shared on a key player ahead of the Old Firm.
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