Rangers Manager Philippe Clement Addresses Job Speculation, New CEO Appointment, and Europa League Match

Philippe Clement, manager of Rangers, addressed the media ahead of his team’s Europa League fixture against Nice on Thursday. Below are the main points from his press conference. Addressing rumors regarding his role following the recent draw against Dundee United, Clement confirmed that no discussions had taken place with the board after the match. He did, however, hold a meeting with Patrick Stewart, who is set to become the new chief executive. Clement emphasized the significance of Stewart’s appointment, citing a “big vacuum” that has been present at the club. The Belgian manager characterized their discussions as “really good” and indicated that Stewart plans to engage in similar conversations with other personnel at Rangers prior to his official commencement in mid-December. Clement also stated that he did not perceive his job to be at risk, even if the team’s performance does not see immediate improvement. When questioned about evidence of progress during his 13-month tenure at the club, Clement responded that such a timeframe was “not the reality,” explaining that the reconstruction of the playing squad has primarily occurred over the past four months, coinciding with numerous departures from executive roles. He acknowledged the necessity for improved domestic performances but highlighted that, in the game against Dundee United, his team recorded their highest number of shots on target this season and also made the most entries into the opposition’s penalty area. Clement expressed his desire for his team to “strangle opponents.” Regarding injuries, Clement provided positive updates: Oscar Cortes has resumed training and is anticipated to be available for selection within a few weeks, while Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo are expected to return to action in the coming two weeks. The former Monaco manager remarked that it felt “special to be back” in the south of France, but he emphasized that his purpose was work, not leisure. He affirmed that his team would exert maximum effort to secure a victory in a match he considers particularly crucial for Nice, given their current standing of only two points from four games played thus far.