Rangers manager Philippe Clement is set to be given the remainder of the season to prove himself at Ibrox, despite mounting pressure following the 3-0 defeat to Celtic at Parkhead on 1 September.
Former Rangers player Andy Halliday has weighed in on the situation, urging the club’s board to resist calls for Clement’s dismissal at this stage of the campaign.
Clement, who has yet to secure a win against Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers since taking charge, has faced increasing scrutiny from both fans and pundits.
The loss in the Old Firm derby has only intensified the speculation surrounding his future. However, Halliday, now a pundit on Open Goal, believes it would be premature and counterproductive for Rangers to part ways with their manager.
Speaking on the Open Goal YouTube channel (3 September), Halliday was asked by Si Ferry if he thought Clement would be given the full year to turn things around. Halliday responded:
“I do, I don’t think he should lose his job if that’s what you’re asking me. I think if Pep Guardiola took Rangers tomorrow I wouldn’t fancy Rangers to win the league, to be honest.”
Halliday’s comments reflect the broader view that Clement has inherited a challenging situation at Ibrox. The Belgian arrived at a club still reeling from the failed tenure of Michael Beale, and much of his time so far has been spent trying to rectify the mistakes of his predecessor.
Halliday also highlighted the difficulties Rangers have faced this season, noting,
“Rangers had to be perfect all summer in terms of all their recruitment, all their decision making and then the first decision is their stadium isn’t ready for the start of the season so what a start they’re off to there.”
While Clement has overseen two transfer windows and brought in several players of his choosing, the pressure is mounting for results to improve. The Ibrox board may be willing to give him more time, but the reality of football is that patience can wear thin if results do not follow.
Halliday’s assertion that Clement deserves time is echoed by many within the Rangers community, but as history has shown, managerial situations in football can change rapidly.
If results don’t improve, the board may ultimately have to consider making a change, even if it’s not a guaranteed solution to the club’s problems.
In the end, while Clement may have the board’s backing for now, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether he remains at the helm of Rangers beyond this season.