Philippe Clement Faces Critical Test at Rangers After Old Firm Victory as Hibernian Awaits in Leith

Despite Philippe Clement’s impressive win in the Old Firm derby against Celtic, it’s clear his future as Rangers manager is still very much in the balance.

That victory, though sweet for the fans, will not be enough to shield him from scrutiny if Rangers fail to deliver in their next matches, particularly their crucial upcoming game at Easter Road against Hibernian.

The Road Ahead for Rangers

It’s difficult to claim that one victory has solved all of Rangers’ problems.

While a 3-0 win over Celtic at Ibrox was certainly a confidence booster, it can’t hide the fact that the club remains 11 points behind their rivals at the top of the Premiership.

This result, though significant, must be followed by more consistency.

Clement’s challenges are far from over, and the true test will come when Rangers hit the road again, where they have struggled to perform.

Key Players and Tactical Shifts

One of the most notable aspects of the Old Firm victory was the performances of Ianis Hagi and Nicolas Raskin, two players who were previously sidelined and not trusted by Clement.

Hagi, once considered surplus to requirements, has now become one of the key creative players for the team.

Similarly, Raskin, who had barely featured early in the season, was given the captain’s armband in a pivotal derby match.

These changes highlight a shift in Clement’s approach, but whether these adjustments can lead to long-term success remains to be seen.

The Importance of Consistency and Future Fixtures

Rangers’ away record this season is far from reassuring, with only three wins out of nine matches on the road.

A victory against Hibs is crucial for Clement to maintain any hope of long-term success at Rangers.

Another slip-up could bring intense pressure from both the fans and the board.

The upcoming match in Leith, against a Hibernian side that’s been inconsistent themselves, will be a defining moment for Clement.

Celtic’s Focus on European Glory

While Clement fights to stabilize his position at Rangers, Celtic and Brendan Rodgers are focused on their European ambitions.

Rodgers has admitted that one of his main objectives for his second stint at Celtic is to make the club more competitive in Europe—a goal that remains unfinished as Celtic is still in the hunt for a place in the Champions League knockout rounds.

The Pressure Mounting on Philippe Clement

With the pressure mounting on both Celtic and Rangers in the Premiership and Europe, Clement faces a pivotal moment.

He must continue to prove that his tactics are working and that the adjustments made, particularly with players like Hagi and Raskin, are not just fortunate decisions but part of a broader plan to return Rangers to their former glory.

New Year, New Challenges for Steve Clarke and Lewis Ferguson

As the transfer window opens, another name being discussed in Scottish football is Lewis Ferguson.

The Bologna midfielder has been impressing since recovering from injury, with rumors circulating about interest from top clubs, including Inter Milan.

For Ferguson, his journey to prove himself abroad is paying off, and 2025 could be the year his international career takes off.

National team coach Steve Clarke faces the challenge of integrating Ferguson into Scotland’s starting lineup, which should be a priority for the new year.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn