Ally McCoist: Clement Must Be Given Time to Fix Rangers Situation
Ally McCoist, former Rangers player and manager, has expressed his firm belief that new boss Philippe Clement deserves time to address the ongoing challenges facing the club.
After a turbulent period following the departure of Giovanni van Bronckhorst and a subsequent managerial appointment of Michael Beale, the Gers have been struggling to regain their dominance in Scottish football.
With the appointment of Clement in the summer of 2024, many fans are anxious about the direction of the club, but McCoist argues that patience is crucial.
Clement, a highly regarded coach with experience in top leagues, including spells in Belgium with Club Brugge and AS Monaco, was brought in to restore the club to its former glory.
However, the early signs have been mixed, with Rangers showing inconsistency in both domestic and European competitions. This has led to growing unrest among supporters, who are becoming increasingly frustrated with the team’s underperformance.
McCoist, however, warns against knee-jerk reactions. “Football is a results-driven business, and I fully understand the frustrations of the fans. But it’s important to remember that rebuilding a team, especially one with high expectations like Rangers, takes time,” McCoist said in a recent interview.
He believes that while Clement’s tenure has not started perfectly, his track record and methodical approach suggest that he could be the right person to bring stability to the club.
The former striker also highlighted the need for continuity in management, especially in a period where Rangers are attempting to bridge the gap between themselves and Celtic.
“Rangers need a manager who can build something long-term, not just a quick fix. It’s a delicate balance, and I think the board should back Clement to make the necessary changes,” McCoist continued.
He acknowledged that the Rangers squad is in need of refinement, with several key areas that require strengthening. The defense, for example, has been prone to lapses, while the attack has struggled to be as clinical as previous years.
However, McCoist is confident that Clement, who has a proven track record of tactical acumen, can address these issues over time.
Clement’s philosophy is based on a solid defensive foundation and controlled possession football, which contrasts with the high-octane, attacking play that some Rangers fans are accustomed to.
But McCoist believes that this patient approach could ultimately bring long-term success. “The players need to buy into the manager’s vision, and the fans need to be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
In conclusion, while Rangers’ current situation may seem challenging, McCoist insists that the club must show faith in Clement’s ability to turn things around.
Success won’t come overnight, but with time and stability, the Frenchman could well be the key to bringing Rangers back to the top of Scottish football.