Clement gets it all wrong with Dessers call – Rangers confirmed XI v Nice
Philippe Clement has made one change to his Rangers starting lineup to face Nice in the Europa League.
The Gers earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Olympiacos last time out in the competition and could move within the top eight places in the league phase with three points over the Ligue 1 outfit on Thursday (28 November).
However, in the confirmed lineup announced via X [28 November], Clement has selected Hamza Igamane to lead the line in France, with Cyriel Dessers dropped to the bench.
Philippe Clement self-sabotages with Cyriel Dessers decision for Rangers v Nice
So much has changed at Ibrox since the last time Rangers took to the Europa League, but one crucial factor remains the same – Clement must beat Nice to continue his duties in Glasgow.
The Light Blues have finally instilled an established hierarchy with Patrick Stewart and Malcolm Offord appointed as chief executive officer and club chairman, respectively [Rangers Review].
The pair will be eagerly watching to see how Clement handles the pressure.
James Tavernier’s snub in Greece last time out can be pinpointed as the beginning of the end for the Gers captain, as while the draw was hardly considered the worst result this season, his teammates were admittedly frustrated to leave with just a share of the spoils and yet Tavernier was not trusted to turn the tide.
However, Nice are a significantly stronger opponent than Olympiacos and will be determined to claim their first victory in the competition this season.
Clement has made a huge call in leaving out Dessers, which many may actually back on the face of it.
However, Clement’s treatment of the forward has been harsh; he is a player who can at least find the net on a semi-regular basis.
Dessers was the hero last time out against Olympiacos with his goal and he has showed some pedigree in this competition.
Clement has in many ways shot himself in the foot, but maybe it will prove an inspired decision come the end of the 90 minutes.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues have their answer regarding a potential Nathan Patterson return from Everton.
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