Philippe Clement blamed Rangers’ boardroom impatience for his Ibrox demise, suggesting he could have closed the gap on Celtic if given more time.
The Belgian’s comments follow a season in which the Hoops finished first again, having won 14 of the previous 15 league crowns and completing another domestic double.
Clement’s spell at Rangers was marked by a lack of silverware, with his team losing both the League Cup and the Scottish Cup finals to Celtic. While he did eventually win the Derby in his final attempt, the title was already out of reach by then, rendering it irrelevant in the larger scheme.
Despite failing to land a glove when it counted the most, Clement now believes that a prolonged stay could have resulted in better outcomes. His remarks appear to gloss over Rangers’ ongoing inability to match Celtic’s consistency and mental fortitude when titles are at stake.
His words will raise eyebrows among Celtic fans, particularly given the quality of his team’s performances in Glasgow derbies. When the season was still going on, Brendan Rodgers’ side simply had Rangers’ number, winning the important games and lifting the Scottish and League Cups.
The Belgian went on to say that a proper run of transfer windows would have allowed him to challenge Celtic’s hegemony.
He told BBC Sport, “I think it was a vital game.” If we had won, there would have been more patience among the fans, and the board could have remained considerably calmer.
“It’s unfortunate that the story came to an end, that the board lacked patience, or that some supporters were overly influential.
“There are other clubs where there is a difficult time and everyone sticks together because everyone knows the tale, how the work is done inside the building, and they persevere and succeed later.
“With good player development, we could have closed the gap [to Celtic] in three or four windows, but the decision is made and you have to accept it.” On the other hand, Celtic’s reaction to pressure has, for the most part, been outstanding.
This season, Brendan Rodgers’ team has excelled once more, winning derbies that truly counted and stepping up when it meant most. Celtic didn’t falter when the Premiership was at stake, and the League Cup was won early.
Celtic’s response to pressure, on the other hand, has been nothing short of amazing in most cases. Brendan Rodgers’ team delivered once again this season, winning important derbies and rising to the situation. Celtic won the League Cup early on, and when the Premiership was at stake, they did not flinch.
The notion that Clement could have changed fortunes over successive transfer windows does not entirely fit with the facts. Rangers looked second best tactically and mentally in critical games against Celtic, especially at Hampden Park, where the Hoops won both domestic cups.
Celtic’s recruitment strategy, consistency in the dugout, and distinct style of play continue to distinguish them. While Clement talks about ‘progress’, Celtic win silverware, and the difference he mentions remains significant, regardless of hypotheticals.
In the end, Clement’s statements may provide some comfort to Rangers fans, but the fact is plain. Celtic, led by Brendan Rodgers, not only win games, but also when it matters the most. Clement got his moment, and Celtic made sure he didn’t leave with anything.
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