Philippe Clement Urges Rangers To Embrace The High Stakes Of Football's Run-In

Philippe Clement, the manager of Rangers, has issued a rallying cry to his team amid a challenging period, emphasizing the high stakes of playing for a club where performance swings can lead to extreme reactions. Following a commendable streak that saw Rangers erase Celtic's eight-point lead in the cinch Premiership, recent setbacks have put their championship aspirations in jeopardy. Clement's comments come as Rangers prepare for a crucial Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-final against Hearts this Sunday.

The Belgian manager highlighted the unique pressure associated with playing for Rangers, where every loss is heavily scrutinized. "Every point you lose, it's like you're going to hell. That's this world, and that's good," Clement stated, underscoring the intense environment at the club. He believes that this pressure can also lead to high rewards, noting, "on the other side you can go also to heaven when you win games and when you win trophies."

Clement is no stranger to criticism and insists he is well-equipped to navigate the ups and downs at Rangers, drawing on over 30 years of experience in football. He likened the expectations at Rangers to those he faced while managing Club Brugge in Belgium, where winning was the only acceptable outcome.

The manager also shared insights into his competitive nature, revealing that his desire to win extends beyond football to all aspects of his life. This mentality, he believes, is crucial for success at a club like Rangers.

Despite recent challenges, Clement remains optimistic about his team's prospects. He pointed out that since taking over in October, there has been noticeable improvement in results, attitude, and resilience. "So, yes, my belief is there 200 per cent," he affirmed, signaling his confidence in the team's ability to overcome their current difficulties.

As Rangers gear up for their semi-final clash against Hearts, Clement's words serve as a reminder of the high expectations and potential rewards that come with representing the storied club. With the season reaching its climax, all eyes will be on how Rangers respond to their manager's call to embrace the pressure and strive for success.