Philippe Clement decision justified on ‘bullied’ Rangers player
Philippe Clement made the correct call in dropping Robin Propper for what proved to be a superb win over Kilmarnock.
The Dutchman was one of several players axed from Clement’s line-up for Wednesday’s clash at Ibrox [4 December], against a side who came out on top 1-0 against the Gers in October.
Leon Balogun, 36, was instead drafted into the defence and, as Billy Dodds rightly pointed out on BBC Sportsound [4 December, 19:54], it was the right call.
“Defensively there are frailties with Robin Propper,” he said.
“The last time they played Kilmarnock he got bullied by Kyle Vassell and taken off, so I can understand why they’ve gone with Leon Balogun.”
Those views were ultimately proved right – emphatically so – as Rangers ran out 6-0 winners in their best performance of the campaign.
Rangers must replicate European form domestically
With many potentially crucial days and nights to come for Rangers this season, every game at the moment arrives with that tinge of dread.
The last showdown with Kilmarnock before Wednesday provides the best example why. It’s an issue Brendan Rodgers and Celtic have not faced this season, hence why the Gers are playing massive catch-up.
Clement was bold with his team selection against Killie, and fans appeared for the most part to be on board. They want to see an entertaining, dominant Light Blues side that they have witnessed too many times fall victim to battles against clubs they should be sweeping aside.
Low and behold, the Gers produced an attacking masterclass – albeit against limited opponents – as they run out six-goal winners at Ibrox. The decision to change things paid off, and Clement deserves praise for that.
After Wednesday’s contest, Clement’s side have six games remaining in all competitions this year which includes an Ibrox clash with Tottenham in Europe [12 December], followed by an Old Firm Scottish League Cup final [15 December].
Form now is paramount heading into games of this magnitude.
In other Rangers news, a pundit has claimed Clement will be sacked if he doesn’t remain perfect.
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