‘Could be gone’: Pundit speculates on Philippe Clement’s Rangers departure already.
Frank McAvennie has hinted that Philippe Clement’s position at Ibrox is already in jeopardy ahead of Rangers‘ Old Firm match against Celtic on Saturday, May 11. The Gers still have a chance to complete the trifecta this season, adding the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup to their League Cup, all of which they hope to win ahead of the Hoops.
Rangers are only three points behind their Old Firm opponents heading into the game at Celtic Park, so a win would bring them level on points following a recent slump in form. Speaking ahead of the Old Firm showdown, McAvennie told the Daily Record on Tuesday (7 May): “It’s a big game, all right. Listen, Clement might still accomplish a treble if he wins on Saturday and defeats Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final two weeks later. “On the other hand, he has yet to win against Celtic.” If he loses the next two derbies, he will have three defeats and one draw against them on his record.
“And if Clement gets off to a poor start next season – failing to get into the Champions League and losing the first Old Firm game – he could be gone.” Philippe Clement is already facing the sack at Rangers? According to McAvennie, if Clement’s side wants to win the league title or the Scottish Cup, they must defeat Celtic, something they have yet to do this season.
The Old Firm rivals have met three times this season, with Celtic winning the first two before a thrilling 3-3 draw at Ibrox last month.
However, it appears to be a radical idea ahead of the Derby. Clement has only been in Scotland since October, but he has already demonstrated significant contrasts from Michael Beale’s rule.
The Gers impressed in the Europa League, narrowly falling to Benfica in the round of 16, and have not slipped behind in the league title battle, despite a few bad performances. Rangers’ ability to lose to Motherwell and Ross County while drawing with Dundee and being only three points behind Celtic demonstrates Clement’s success at Ibrox.