Philippe Clement questioned over ‘alarming’ Celtic v Rangers comment
Kris Boyd feels the way Rangers manager Philippe Clement responded to Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers’ recent jibe was “alarming”.
Rodgers’ claim that Celtic would “have a bit of fun” in the Old Firm derby was not received well by his opposite number, who bit back following Rangers’ 4-1 win over Kilmarnock on 5 May.
However, Boyd thinks the manner in which the Belgian retorted is cause for concern for Gers fans.
Boyd wrote for The Scottish Sun [10 May]: “The way Clement reacted to Rodgers’ comments about “having some fun” in today’s Old Firm derby was also alarming for me.
“I can understand why he was irked. But managers sometimes need to take the moral high ground and completely ignore attempts to rile them.
“For me, that’s what Rodgers was doing last week. You can now see what’s going to happen. Whoever comes out on top at Celtic Park this lunchtime will talk about how it was all just a bit of fun.
“I didn’t think Clement looked too clever over-reacting in the way he did. The comments from Rodgers and the Gers boss are just tit-for-tat, though.”
Can Rangers boss Philippe Clement keep his cool in the Old Firm derby?
Clement’s debut season in Scotland with Rangers has been largely excellent – the Belgian has led the Gers to Scottish League Cup success, while they have booked their place in the Scottish Cup final and remain in with a chance of winning the Scottish Premiership.
However, a likely sore point for the 50-year-old will be Rangers’ record in the Old Firm derby since his appointment.
The Gers were beaten 1-0 at home on 3 September courtesy of a Kyogo Furuhashi goal in first-half stoppage time, before a 2-1 loss at Parkhead on 30 December in which Clement’s side were reduced to 10 men.
Their most recent meeting at Ibrox on 7 April saw Rangers battle back late on to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw, with substitute Rabbi Matondo curling home in the 93rd minute.
Clement cannot allow his judgement to be clouded by the desire to get one over his opposite number Rodgers, however.
With three points separating league leaders Celtic from Rangers, failure to win would likely end the Gers’ chances of claiming the title – meaning victory is imperative.
Rangers fans will hope Clement can keep his cool and guide the team to their first Old Firm victory of the campaign at Parkhead.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are lying in wait to sign a free agent who has just refused to sign a new deal at his club.
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.