Philippe Clement sparks Hotline meltdown as 'weak' Rangers boss told sport science excuse proves just one thing
At New Year it’s out with the old and in with the new – and Rangers fans want Philippe Clement out with a new boss coming in.
The Ibrox side face Celtic on Thursday but punters have already made their minds up after a nightmare at Christmas that’s seen the Light Blues stumble 14 points behind Brendan Rodgers's in-form men. Clement rested players at Motherwell on the advice of his sports science team – but it’s Hotline fans dishing it out now. Jimmy Mac, Glasgow, said: “When is this Rangers board going to wake up and own up that they messed up again with the appointment of Clement as manager?
“Mr Excuses was at again after the draw with Motherwell claiming sports science told him that players are tired but Kris Boyd burst that bubble afterwards saying David Weir was 38 years old and played 61 games that year. Clement must go. Gio van Bronckhorst was a better manager who took Rangers to a European final and was sacked for less.”
Robert Livingston, Palm Beach, said: “No Rangers board of the past would have allowed a disaster of this magnitude to continue. But this one has given Clement and Nils Koppen carte blanche.
“This is the worst Rangers team in living memory from an excuse ridden manager who changes the team at a whim, to Koppen with terrible signings and now a clique of hollow men sitting in the boardroom that can't even make one simple decision to save the club.”
Jim Cumming, Glasgow, said: “Mr Clement - just go. If you haven’t sussed out in football that you start with your best team and then build on or hold on to your lead, you’re in the wrong job.”
Barriemore Barlow, Dunbartonshire, said: “Clement is weak and naive to let sports scientists dictate his team selections. Is there any proof anything they say is of value? Rangers have a ‘Head of Performance’ – I would have thought that's Clement's title. They're a bunch of hangers-on who cannot improve a team.”
Dr Robert S Pender, via email, said: “Having spent a large part of my career in professional football I cannot see managers like Jock Wallace or Water Smith listening to the computer staff. You pick your strongest team to win. “Player know when they are fit. The Rangers board need to kick out this backroom staff out and their leader immediately.”
Meanwhile, Alan Flett emailed: “I have a right good chuckle when I read the comments from Celtic fans. They really do flatter themselves. We are about to witness an Old Firm clash between two of the poorest teams in living memory.
“On paper, it may appear that Celtic are streets ahead of us but the truth is, if Rangers had a clinical no.9, a commanding centre half and a good manager, we would win the league at a canter.”
The officials were in the firing line at Fir Park with all kinds of chaos in the 2-2 draw. Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: “Yet again Rangers are officiated to different rules
“Against United recently Barron was penalised for the ball hitting his arm before crossing for Propper to score, likewise Aberdeen at Parkhead earlier in the season. What’s the difference with Motherwell’s opener – and that’s before we get to the red cards that weren’t dished out.” But Arthur Hunter emailed: “I hope the Motherwell board demand answers for their two disallowed goals and demand ref and VAR officials get sacked.”
Back to the derby showdown and Brian McColligan emailed: “Do you think Celtic should lie down to their city rivals to keep their manager in a job?”
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “I’m hoping Brendan Rodgers isn’t tempted to play Rangers as once Neil Lennon did with the handbrake on. “Celtic fans like me are still smarting regarding Clements crying over spilt milk comments on our cup victory. I’m expecting a convincing victory over a heartless Rangers side with Clement leaving Ibrox for the final time on Thursday night."
Nick Giannandrea emailed: “The SPFL should take the league title trophy to Ibrox on Thursday and present it to Celtic as champions.”
