Andy Walker reacts to what Philippe Clement did amid ‘Shocking’ Rangers verdict
Andy Walker can understand why Philippe Clement rotated his Rangers squad against Motherwell given the “shocking” amount of injuries he had when first arrived at Ibrox.
The Gers boss has come under plenty of criticism for his team selection at Fir Park on Sunday (29 December) after he made seven changes, citing tiredness and injury worries as the reasons for the changes.
It was a decision that backfired for the Belgian as his side were lucky to draw 2-2 after Motherwell had two goals disallowed in the game.
However, Walker said Clement was within his rights to make so many changes, especially given improving the Gers’ injury record and general fitness was on his list when he was appointed in October 2023.
He said on The Go Radio Football Show Podcast (30 December, 1:03:22): “I can understand his point of view I must say. If you’ve got a sports science department, you need to use it and you need to listen to it.
“Do you listen to it for those two players? [Hamza Igamane and Vaclav Cerny] Maybe it could have been others that could’ve been rested.
“But I do also remember Rangers had a shocking amount of injuries before he came and he questioned their level of fitness and he wanted to make some strides in this, he wanted to make some investment in this department.
“There’s a place for it, I honestly feel as though there’s a place for it.
“I do think there is a place for sport science so I do have a bit of sympathy with him in that regard and remember, I do think Rangers had a shocking amount of injuries before he arrived.”
Philippe Clement pushed it with Rangers team selection
Clement is entitled to use the squad he has available to him to ensure he is getting the best out of his team and keeping his players in a fit condition.
However, making seven changes for one game was surely taking it too far especially when you could see the team visibly affected by the changes in the first half of the game.
While Rangers don’t want any injuries arising ahead of the clash against Celtic on Thursday (2 December), the level of precaution taken by the Belgian was disrespectful to the opponents they faced on the day as well as the supporters who are desperate to see their side get some results on the board.
In the end, the Gers were fortunate to come away with a point from the game against Motherwell and it will be interesting to see how they are able to gear themselves up for the Old Firm Derby.
While Walker is right in saying that there is a place for sports science in football and prevention when it comes to injuries, there is a balance to be found and Clement was way off this.
In other Rangers news, the Gers have been torn to shreds after their performance against Motherwell.
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