Frank McAvennie delivers Philippe Clement verdict at Rangers
Frank McAvennie delivers Philippe Clement verdict at Rangers

Philippe Clement Rangers sack mooted already ahead of Old Firm clash v Celtic

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Frank McAvennie has suggested that Philippe Clement's future at Ibrox is already at risk ahead of Rangers' Old Firm clash against Celtic on Saturday 11 May.

It is still possible for the Gers to complete the treble this campaign, adding to their League Cup with the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup, both of which they are hoping to pip the Hoops to.

Rangers are just three points behind their Old Firm rivals ahead of the clash at Celtic Park, meaning a win would take them level on points after a recent dip in form.

Speaking ahead of the Old Firm clash, quoted by Daily Record on Tuesday (7 May), McAvennie said: "It’s a big game all right. Listen, Clement could still end up winning a treble if he wins on Saturday and then beats Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final two weeks later.

"On the other hand, he hasn’t won against Celtic yet. If he were to lose those next two derbies it would be three defeats and a draw against them on his record.

"And if Clement gets off to a poor start next season – failing to get into the Champions League and losing the first Old Firm game – he could be gone.”

Philippe Clement faces Rangers sack already?

As McAvennie points out, Clement's side must achieve a feat they have yet to this season if they are to lift the league title or the Scottish Cup - beat Celtic.

The Old Firm rivals have met on three occasions this season, with Celtic winning the first two before a dramatic 3-3 draw at Ibrox last month.

It seems like a very drastic suggestion ahead of the derby, though. Clement has only been in Scotland since October and has already shown incredible differences from the Michael Beale reign.

Rangers Philippe Clement
Philippe Clement is under pressure to keep Rangers' hopes of a Premiership title alive.

The Gers impressed in the Europa League, only narrowly losing out to Benfica in the round of 16 and have not fallen behind in the league title race, even despite a handful of disappointing results.

The fact that Rangers have been able to lose against Motherwell and Ross County, as well as drawing against Dundee, and still only be three points behind Celtic showcases the job Clement has done at Ibrox.

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