Philippe Clement’s tenure as Rangers manager is rapidly descending into a crisis, with mounting pressure from fans and the board following a string of disappointing results. When Clement replaced Michael Beale, there was hope that the Belgian coach would inject new energy and tactical clarity into a Rangers side struggling to compete both domestically and in Europe. Yet, despite an initial boost—including a victory in the Old Firm derby—recent performances suggest that the club has not turned the corner many had hoped for. Instead, the issues that plagued Rangers under Beale appear to persist, with Clement now facing serious questions about his squad management, tactical decisions, and adaptability.
The Burden of Injuries: A Reason or an Excuse?
Clement has frequently cited injuries as a significant barrier to success, and there’s no denying that Rangers have faced a challenging injury list this season. However, injuries are part and parcel of football, and the best managers find ways to adapt. This is where Clement’s tenure begins to fall short. While he has faced adversity, he has compounded Rangers’ problems with questionable squad management and tactical rigidity. For instance, in the recent draw with Dundee, Clement blamed tiredness for his team’s lackluster performance, singling out full-backs Ridvan Yilmaz and Jefte for their inability to deliver decisive passes.
While fatigue is a legitimate concern, Clement’s choices leave little room for sympathy. Rangers have other options, and Clement’s reluctance to use them speaks to a worrying lack of trust in his squad. Adam Devine and Leon King, both of whom have senior experience, could have provided fresher legs at full-back. Instead, Clement opted to overplay Ridvan and Jefte, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning his decision-making. The continued reliance on a handful of players is not sustainable, and Clement’s inability to rotate effectively has led to unnecessary fatigue and subpar performances.
Missed Opportunities in Midfield
The situation in midfield offers another glaring example of Clement’s mismanagement. With the team crying out for a natural No.6, Bailey Rice—a promising academy graduate—has been inexplicably left on the bench. Despite being promoted to the senior squad, Rice has rarely been given the chance to prove himself, even when the midfield has lacked balance and defensive discipline. Against Dundee, Clement chose a midfield setup that lacked shape and cohesion, with Connor Barron struggling to fill the defensive void. Rice could have been a natural fit, yet Clement overlooked him, opting instead for a midfield that left the team exposed and disjointed.
Questionable Loan Decisions
Rangers’ squad depth has been further undermined by poor decisions in the transfer market and loan system. Robbie Fraser, a young talent capable of stepping in at left-back, was allowed to leave on loan despite the team’s reliance on Jefte and Ridvan to play every game. With Clement now lamenting fatigue in his full-backs, the decision to let Fraser go appears shortsighted. Waiting a few weeks before finalizing Fraser’s loan could have given Clement more flexibility during a critical period. These missteps suggest a lack of foresight and planning, which is becoming a recurring theme of Clement’s tenure.
Tactical Stubbornness
Clement’s tactical approach has also come under fire. While he has occasionally shown glimpses of the style that brought him success in Belgium, his inability to adapt to the unique demands of Scottish football is glaring. His selection choices, such as starting Kieran Dowell and Cyriel Dessers in key matches despite their underwhelming form, have frustrated fans. Similarly, his reluctance to experiment with younger players or change his system to suit the available squad has left Rangers looking predictable and uninspired.
The False Dawn of the Old Firm Win
The victory against Celtic in the Old Firm derby was supposed to mark a turning point for Rangers. However, it now looks like a false dawn, with Clement’s side failing to build on that momentum. Subsequent performances have been riddled with inconsistency, with Rangers struggling to break down weaker opposition and showing a worrying lack of intensity. The draw with Dundee was the latest in a series of underwhelming results that have seen Clement’s honeymoon period come to an abrupt end. Fans, who were initially willing to give him time to implement his ideas, are now calling for his dismissal.
A Manager Running Out of Time
Clement’s public statements have done little to inspire confidence. His post-match comments often come across as defensive, with a tendency to deflect blame onto external factors such as injuries or player fatigue. While these issues are valid, they cannot excuse the recurring tactical and managerial shortcomings. Clement’s refusal to take responsibility for his decisions is eroding goodwill among supporters, many of whom believe he is running out of time to turn things around.
What Needs to Change?
If Clement is to salvage his tenure at Rangers, he must make immediate changes. First and foremost, he needs to show greater trust in his squad, particularly the younger players who have been overlooked. Adam Devine, Leon King, and Bailey Rice all offer potential solutions to the team’s current problems and deserve opportunities to prove themselves. Clement also needs to rotate his squad more effectively to avoid burnout and keep his key players fresh for crucial matches.
Tactically, Clement must be willing to adapt. The rigid systems that worked in Belgium are not delivering results in Scotland, and a more pragmatic approach may be necessary. Whether that involves a shift in formation, a greater emphasis on defensive solidity, or a willingness to play a more direct style of football, Clement needs to find a way to get the best out of his squad.
Finally, better communication and accountability are essential. Clement must take responsibility for the team’s performances and demonstrate a clear plan for improvement. Fans want to see a manager who is proactive and decisive, not one who offers excuses after every disappointing result.
Conclusion
Philippe Clement’s position as Rangers manager is becoming increasingly precarious. While he inherited a challenging situation, his own decisions have exacerbated the team’s problems. Unless he can deliver a dramatic turnaround in results and performances, it seems only a matter of time before the board is forced to act. For Clement, the clock is ticking, and his next few matches could determine his future at Ibrox.