Philippe Clement Confident of Retaining Board Backing Amid Growing Pressure at Ibrox

Rangers manager Philippe Clement has expressed confidence that he will retain the backing of the club’s board, despite mounting pressure following a series of underwhelming performances.

The Belgian’s tenure at Ibrox has been a subject of increasing scrutiny, with some fans and pundits questioning his future after a series of disappointing results in the Scottish Premiership and Europe.

Clement, who succeeded Michael Beale in the managerial hot seat in the summer of 2023, was brought in with the task of reinvigorating the team and challenging rivals Celtic for the Scottish title. However, his start has been marked by inconsistency, particularly in crucial domestic fixtures.

Rangers have struggled to find their rhythm, dropping points in games that would have been expected to secure victories, and their hopes of progressing in European competitions have also been dashed in the early stages.

Despite these challenges, Clement remains optimistic about his position at the club, insisting that the board understands the longer-term vision he has for the team.

Speaking ahead of a crucial match, Clement acknowledged the pressures of managing a club with the stature of Rangers but emphasized his belief in the plan he has implemented.

“I know what it means to manage a club like Rangers, and I am fully aware of the expectations,” Clement said in a recent interview. “But I also believe in the work we are doing.

The board is behind me, and they understand that this is a process. We are working to build something sustainable, and sometimes that takes time.”

While results have been far from ideal, Clement pointed to a number of positive signs in his team’s development, including improved performances from some key players and a more organized defensive structure.

The manager has also stressed the importance of patience in his approach, indicating that he will not be rushed into making drastic changes for short-term gain.

The support from the Rangers board, however, could be tested further if performances do not improve in the coming weeks. The club’s ambition to close the gap on Celtic, both domestically and in European competitions, remains a key objective.

As the pressure mounts, Clement’s ability to steer Rangers back on track will be critical in determining how much longer his tenure lasts at Ibrox.

For now, though, Clement’s focus is on maintaining the faith of both his players and the club’s hierarchy, with a belief that brighter days lie ahead.