Belgian football manager Philippe Clement has been appointed as the new boss at Rangers, replacing Michael Beale, who had a brief stint at Ibrox. Clement, 49, comes with an impressive track record, including delivering back-to-back league titles with Belgian powerhouse Club Bruges. But is he prepared to handle the immense pressure that comes with managing Rangers? According to former teammate Thomas Buffel and ex-Rangers forward Alex McLeish, the answer is a resounding yes.
Clement’s Winning Streak
Clement’s journey to Rangers has been marked by success. He clinched three consecutive titles starting in 2019, first with Genk and then twice with Club Bruges. In between, he took the helm at AS Monaco. Former teammate Buffel highlights his winning mentality, mentioning that he also steered Monaco to a top-three finish during his tenure there. Clement is not just about winning; he brings structure and clarity to his teams, ensuring they play attractive football without neglecting the physical aspect of the game.
Handling the Pressure
One might wonder how Clement’s experience at Club Bruges, where expectations are incredibly high, will translate to the expectations at Rangers. Buffel believes the pressure is similar, as both clubs demand success in every game, the pursuit of titles, and Champions League qualification. The key, Buffel points out, is to protect the players and coach them effectively to thrive in the demanding atmosphere of Ibrox.
Immediate Impact
Clement’s task at Rangers is no easy feat. With the team trailing Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race and fighting for Europa League qualification, he needs to make an immediate impact. Buffel is optimistic, drawing parallels to Clement’s previous achievements, like turning Monaco’s fortunes around. He also mentions Clement’s ability to work with young players and develop them into prize-winners, which could be crucial for Rangers.
McLeish’s Words of Wisdom
Former Rangers boss Alex McLeish, who also managed Genk during the 2014-15 season, adds a note of caution. He emphasizes that the scrutiny and pressure at Ibrox can be overwhelming, even for experienced managers. Rangers are expected to win every week, and when results falter, it’s “absolutely torture.” McLeish believes that some players might need a bit of encouragement after a challenging start to the season and expects Clement to impose his positive personality on the team to bring out the best in them.
What Can Rangers Fans Expect?
Scott Coyne, a Belgian football consultant, sheds light on Clement’s coaching style. Clement is known for his flexibility, adapting his tactics to the squad at hand rather than imposing a predefined template. He prefers a possession-based, attacking game, aiming to exploit space and get in behind the opposition. One tactical challenge he may face is teams employing a low block against Rangers. However, he appears to be confident in the attacking quality of the squad.
In conclusion, Philippe Clement brings a winning mentality, experience, and a dynamic coaching approach to Rangers. While the pressure is high, he has the tools to thrive in the demanding environment of Ibrox and lead the team to success. Rangers fans can look forward to an exciting journey under his leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Philippe Clement Rangers
Q: Who is Philippe Clement, and what is his managerial background?
A: Philippe Clement is a Belgian football manager who has had a successful managerial career. He won back-to-back league titles with Club Bruges, and he has also managed Genk and AS Monaco. His track record includes a strong emphasis on winning and developing young players.
Q: How does Philippe Clement plan to handle the high-pressure environment at Rangers?
A: According to his former teammate Thomas Buffel, Clement is well-equipped to handle the intense pressure at Rangers, thanks to his experiences at Club Bruges. He brings structure, clarity, and a winning mentality to his teams, and he knows how to protect and coach players to perform under pressure.
Q: Can Philippe Clement make an immediate impact at Rangers, considering their current situation?
A: Thomas Buffel is optimistic about Clement’s ability to make an immediate impact at Rangers. He points to Clement’s track record of turning clubs around, such as taking Monaco from ninth place to a top-three finish. Clement’s talent for developing young players could also prove essential for Rangers.
Q: What is the opinion of former Rangers boss Alex McLeish about Philippe Clement’s appointment?
A: Alex McLeish, a former Rangers manager who also managed Genk, believes that Clement may be taken by surprise by the level of scrutiny and pressure at Ibrox. He emphasizes the need for Clement to impose his positive personality on the team, particularly as many players may be struggling with recent results.
Q: What can Rangers fans expect in terms of Philippe Clement’s coaching style?
A: Scott Coyne, a Belgian football consultant, describes Clement as a flexible coach who adapts his tactics to the squad at hand. Clement prefers a possession-based, attacking style of play, focusing on exploiting space and getting behind the opposition. However, he may face challenges when opposing teams employ a low block.
Q: In summary, what qualities and experiences does Philippe Clement bring to Rangers as their new manager?
A: Philippe Clement brings a winning mentality, extensive managerial experience, and a dynamic coaching approach to Rangers. He is known for his adaptability, which could be crucial in a high-pressure environment. His success in developing young players and turning clubs around bodes well for Rangers’ future under his leadership.
More about Philippe Clement Rangers
- Philippe Clement on Wikipedia
- Rangers Football Club
- Club Bruges Official Website
- AS Monaco Official Website
- Alex McLeish on Wikipedia
- Genk Official Website
- Scottish Premiership
3 comments
Who’s this Clement guy? Seems he knows footbal, but McLeish says it’s hard at Rangers. Let’s hope he’s good for the team!
Clement’s tactics? Sounds cool, attacking style, but low block’s a prob. Hope he brings the firepower!
Philippe Clement, such a boss, good he handeled all that pressure! Rangers gotta win, no sleep for bosses there!