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Philippe Clement addresses 'strange' Rangers Cyriel Dessers dugout incident as Belgian praises strength in numbers

Philippe Clement was delighted with his side's win over Steaua Bucharest on Thursday evening
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Philippe Clement will have breathed a sigh of relief as his Rangers side pummelled Steaua Bucharest 4-0 to ease the tension surrounding his future at Ibrox - yet although he waxed lyrical over his squad for a performance he described as 'really strong', he gave his verdict on a bizarre moment involving Cyriel Dessers' substitution in the second half.

Having lost to Kilmarnock 1-0 at the weekend, the Belgian had seen reports suggesting that Rangers chiefs were wearing thin with patience in terms of his tenure at the club; but the visit of Steaua to Govan provided an opportunity for his team to turn that form around and banish any ghosts from the domestic scene.

They did just that, with Tom Lawrence and Vaclav Cerny both striking inside half an hour, before the latter did so again early into the second half to put the game beyond doubt, with Hamza Igamane drilling home to complete the rout. And Clement praised the mentality of his players after a tough week to get the result over the line, and make it two wins from three in the Europa League.

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But speaking after the game, the Belgian boss addressed the bizarre nature of Dessers' decision to run off the pitch due to an eye injury, without a sub being ready to replace him - and although Igamane eventually did that and scored, Clement admitted that he hopes his young squad can learn NOT what to do in that scenario - whilst also praising his midfield and the team's tactical sense. He said after the game, via BBC:

"Cyriel had a knock, or a finger in his eye or something in his eye - so he lost sight, he couldn’t see good anymore. He was quite emotional about it because he wanted to stay on the pitch, but he didn’t see anything so he ran off the pitch.

“It was a really strange moment for me, but he apologised after the game. It’s better to sit down and give time for a teammate to come in, but it was in the emotions of one thing to win, one thing to react, one thing to play well - which he was doing also - so no problems with that. But it’s good lessons also for this young squad to take everything in a more professional way.”