Clement States Rangers’ Cup Comeback Must Serve as ‘Reference Game’

Rangers, under manager Philippe Clement, avoided an upset at Hampden against Motherwell, advancing to a League Cup final clash with Celtic. Clement’s awareness of the intense pressure on him became evident by half-time of the semi-final match. Rangers supporters at Hampden expressed their displeasure with loud boos as the team went into the interval a goal down. This followed a first-half performance that initially showed potential but faded after Andy Halliday scored against Jack Butland. A defeat could have potentially led to Clement’s departure, as his team was already trailing Celtic and Aberdeen by nine points after only 10 Premiership games. The half-time interval necessitated frank discussions and the rectification of shortcomings. Following the match, Clement stated: “We started the game well, and I felt some nervousness, some doubts in half-time because we conceded the goal.” He added: “We spoke about what went well, and to raise our tempo and our level in the second half to break the wall. That’s what they did.” Goalkeeper Butland, who received the captain’s armband following James Tavernier’s substitution, highlighted the collective involvement in the half-time discussion. Butland commented: “A lot of people spoke.” He continued: “There’s a real desire to change things and do better.” He further added: “At this club we can’t give up. We need to keep pushing standards and making sure when we have disappointments, we bounce back.” Rangers indeed recovered after the interval, with Cyriel Dessers’ 49th-minute equaliser shifting the momentum in their favour, preceding Nedim Bajrami’s winning goal. Rangers controlled possession, confined Motherwell to their half, and would have scored more goals had it not been for goalkeeper Aston Oxborough. On Sportsound, former Scotland winger Pat Nevin stated: “Let’s give Clement a little bit of credit.” He observed: “It wasn’t going well in the first half. The manager must have said something, because they looked more considered after the break.” Nevin, however, emphasized that fans require consistent high-quality performances and victories to overcome their dissatisfaction and fully trust the team. He remarked: “In the end, Clement’s team played well.” He added: “They were the better side but he can’t really over-celebrate it, because the Rangers fans are ready to turn on him.” Nevin further explained: “When the whistle went at half-time, it was the speed of the boos, they were waiting for it. That’s how disappointed a lot of the fans are at the moment.” Concluding, he stated: “So he can’t get or sound too carried away.” Clement, for his part, asserted that this performance must not be an isolated event for Rangers, indicating that verbal assurances alone would be insufficient to appease the fanbase. He stated: “This needs to be also a reference game for this new squad.” He continued: “To dig in and keep our belief, to keep on going, to keep on fighting and to break the wall if we go behind.” Clement further elaborated: “This can be a massive game at the end of the season, to have this one as a reference. I want to see this mentality every three days.” He concluded: “That’s what we’ve been talking about but talking is not enough. We need to do it on the pitch.” Their initial chance to replicate that standard will occur on Thursday night in Greece, as they face Olympiakos in the Europa League. Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell stated he would not offer excuses for his team’s semi-final defeat. Motherwell once again exhibited their capability to outperform expectations, but will likely be disappointed by their inability to capitalize on the advantageous position they had secured. The prospect of a first cup final appearance since 2017 was within reach, but it eluded them, and supporters expressed frustration over certain in-game decisions. Johnny Koutroumbis, a natural wing-back, remained on the bench, as Dan Casey was moved from centre-half instead. Tony Watt was also an unused substitute while the team pursued a late equaliser. Manager Stuart Kettlewell commented: “I thought we put ourselves in a really good position.” He added: “For us to get better, there’s going to have to be moments where there’s better quality.” Kettlewell continued: “There’s not a great gulf between the clubs on the day. We know they are going to have lots of the ball, but one or two better decisions probably keeps that negative feeling when we’re one ahead.” He concluded: “This doesn’t derail our start to the season. I’m proud as punch because the players put it all out there.” Former Scotland striker Steven Thompson believed Kettlewell could have been more assertive in seeking a second goal, though he commended the Motherwell players’ effort. Thompson stated: “Tactically he got it right up until a certain point.” He added: “When the second goal goes in you’ve got to throw caution to the wind.” He further remarked: “The Motherwell players can take a lot from the experience. They’re just a bit rushed on the ball. They can be proud, they emptied themselves out on the pitch.”