After a strong start to his stint at Ibrox, Rangers great Barry Ferguson is certain that Philippe Clement is the best candidate for the position.
After edging past Motherwell 1-0 and losing 3-1 at home to Aberdeen, the Belgian’s team seemed unsteady in Govan for a few weeks until winning 4-0 in his first game against Hibs last Saturday. The next match was a tough away match at Sparta Prague, a European test, but Clement’s team held their ground and appeared to be the favorites to defeat the Czech team.
Ferguson views a point as a positive point, particularly with two home matches in the Europa League scheduled for the upcoming two game weeks. Ferguson has also praised the Rangers boss’s fortitude in trying times.
“Philippe Clement is just days away at Ibrox, but I’m convinced he’s the straight man Rangers have been crying out for,” Ferguson said to the Daily Record.
To borrow a phrase from the past, “I like the cut of his jib,” he has added a little gravitas and class to the position. Go back to last Saturday, when the reporter asked him if he was pleased with the performance against the Hibs, stating that it might have been the best so far this season. ‘Impressed’ is a huge word, and I would rather use ‘glad,’ he replied bluntly.
It was wonderful to hear him respond in a sober manner. He is cognizant of the enormity of the task he has undertaken and cognizant of the responsibilities that lie ahead for him throughout Europe and at home in the coming months. He’s had two games under his belt with respectable performances, but he’s keeping it low key. He won’t have any trouble going overboard. I was pleased with our Europa League tie against Sparta Prague; it wasn’t great, but it was a step forward from previous results, so it was something.”
Rangers’ season-long pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title may not be proceeding as expected, but with four points from three games, the Light Blues have cemented their place in the Europa League group. Ferguson thinks they will need to win all three of their remaining games by at least five points, and they have two home games left. The final game week against Real Betis will be a true test for them.
Ferguson went on: “There are reasons to be optimistic about Europe, and the early signs are positive.” With four points already earned, a plan is in place to go through this group. Up next are two home games against Sparta and Aris Limassol.
“It’s my belief that nine points is the magic number that advances you to the next round of elimination. At Ibrox, Rangers should be keeping an eye on both Sparta and Aris. There’s no good reason not to.
“It’s my belief that nine points is the magic number that advances you to the next round of elimination. At Ibrox, Rangers should be keeping an eye on both Sparta and Aris. There’s no good reason not to.
“That would be six points, and you would then be looking at playing in Europe after Christmas, which is something Rangers should always be doing. It would also greatly raise the morale of the entire team. Although the squad’s performance in the final stretch was far better than it was in Prague, I was inside the Epet Arena when the second half seemed to indicate that there would only be one victor, and it wasn’t the home club.
“The main critique is that, despite a true team effort, there weren’t three points to show for it. The goal threat needs to be increased, and opportunities need to be finished with more ruthlessness. While Sparta undoubtedly had their chances and showed creativity in the last third, Clement will also be pleased with his team’s performance, even if he knows it still needs improvement.
“Building players’ confidence when they are having difficulty performing to their potential is a part of management. I’m hoping Clement is working quietly and gaining the group’s confidence because I have a positive impression of him.
“But there is a fresh start with someone fresh in charge, and the team have now until January to try and prove they are part of his plans beyond that and that always stimulates players to perform.”
