Philippe Clement was defiant as Rangers’ season concluded disappointingly last campaign. The Belgian manager initially sparked a resurgence at Ibrox after taking over in October, but the underperforming squad reverted to form in the final stretch. With the title within reach, Rangers struggled to handle mounting injuries, Dundee’s poor pitch conditions, and the challenge of grinding out results. A psychological barrier against eventual champions Celtic also proved detrimental.
However, a new season brought fresh optimism. Clement spoke of a significant rebuild over the summer, and Rangers fans began to hope for effective changes. Unfortunately, recent comments from Clement have dampened that optimism. Speaking after a midweek friendly against Standard Liege, he expressed frustration over the summer transfer activity, citing the departure of five experienced first-team players and managing expectations regarding the club’s youthful additions, Hamza Igamane and Clinton Nsiala, who are not expected to start.
Rangers fans, already anxious due to a perceived lack of transfer activity, underperforming players, and the chaos surrounding the rebuild of the Copland Stand, found little reassurance in Clement’s latest remarks. After a 2-1 friendly defeat to Ajax at the end of the pre-season camp in the Netherlands, Clement further unsettled fans by stating that sales would be necessary before new signings could be made. He also hinted that he might have been misled about the situation at Ibrox before taking the job. This growing frustration has only exacerbated the disconnect between the fans and a club they see as increasingly chaotic.