Philippe Clement back in the dock for Rangers sack amid ‘Disastrous’ verdict
Philippe Clement remains under heavy pressure at Ibrox to keep his job, with Rangers enduring a wretched campaign.
Although the Gers were able to secure all three points against Hearts at Tynecastle, it did little other than paper over the ever-growing cracks that have surfaced as a result of Clement’s inability to lead a team.
The Belgian has been under relentless pressure at Rangers for months now and yet has still been afforded even more time for reasons largely unbeknown.
Financial difficulties have been mooted as the reason for him being in a job at Rangers, but there are several other factors that could see him sacked in the near future.
| Celtic v Rangers (Scottish Premiership) | W | D | L | P |
| Celtic | 22 | 3 | 1 | 69 |
| Rangers | 17 | 5 | 4 | 56 |
Clement has little going for him at Rangers
A shock defeat to Queen’s Park ended any hopes of domestic success for the Light Blues, while the gap from Celtic in the league is all but unsalvagable.
That very result was labelled by many as one of the biggest upsets in Scottish Cup history, with Andy Newport describing it as “disastrous” when giving reasons as to why the Belgian should be sacked at Ibrox.
In the print edition of the Daily Record (19 February, pg44), Newport gave the four main catalysts behind what seems like a pending sack decision.
On the defeat to Queen’s Park, Newport said: “There are plenty who will believe that losing at home to lower league opposition in the Scottish Cup for the first time was a stackable offence in itself.”
Rangers became a laughing stock after their exit, yet Clement was still backed.
Newport also highlighted the differences from Celtic as two other reasons behind what would be a deserved sacking, with Rangers “simply second best” to The Bhoys, while also highlighting their dismal derby record.
“No modern-era Old Firm boss had gone through his first four derby clashes without a win and survived to see a fifth – before Clement that is,” Newport said.
The Daily Record journalist also highlighted the lack of playing identity at Ibrox, described as “slow, one-paced and devoid of inspiration.”
Clement cannot be afforded more time at Rangers
While the argument could be made for it being pointless to bring in a new manager now, it would be a fairly innocuous statement to make.
If Rangers were to act now, a new boss could come in and make some progress ahead of the new campaign, in which success will be a necessity.
The longer they take to sack Clement, which is almost nailed on, the less time a new man can stamp his authority on the team, therefore impacting the start of the new season.