Martin O’Neill has advised Philippe Clement to set aside any ambitions for stylish football at Rangers and focus purely on securing results in the short term.
Rangers suffered a 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock on 20 October, with Marley Watkins’ 87th-minute goal sealing all three points for Derek McInnes’ side in the Scottish Premiership. The loss marked Clement’s second in just eight league games since taking charge at Ibrox.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 21 October, O’Neill stressed the importance of grinding out results, even at the expense of aesthetics.
“Well, they’re not good enough. That’s fine. But you have to, as a manager, try and get the very, very best out of them,” the former Celtic boss said.
“You have to eke out results, and until you get a clear pattern about your team, about the way they want to play, just hang in there. Go and win the game. And no matter how ugly it might be, go and win.”
Clement’s Challenge at Ibrox:
Rangers have experienced significant instability in recent seasons, with managerial turnover contributing to inconsistent performances. Clement’s appointment initially brought hope that the tide would turn, following a turbulent spell under Michael Beale.
While performances have improved slightly under the Belgian coach, the team remains prone to faltering when it matters most. A 4-1 thrashing by Lyon earlier in the season was a stark example, despite the Gers creating early chances and showing promise.
With Celtic and Aberdeen dropping points after playing to a draw, Rangers had an opportunity to close the gap with a win at Kilmarnock. However, their inability to capitalise has intensified scrutiny on Clement and his squad.
O’Neill’s comments underline the urgent need for Rangers to prioritise defensive solidity and grind out wins in the short term. With growing pressure from fans and board members alike, Clement’s honeymoon period may be short-lived if results don’t improve quickly.
Failure to find consistency could see questions raised not just about Clement’s future, but also about the club’s direction at boardroom level – a familiar narrative for a club desperate to regain dominance.