Philippe Clement’s early tenure as Rangers manager is under intense scrutiny following a stuttering start to the season.
A damaging defeat to Kilmarnock, coupled with the club’s failure to capitalise on points dropped by Celtic and Aberdeen, has left fans frustrated.
With the November international break still weeks away, Clement’s future could hinge on Rangers’ next six games, which may determine not only his standing with supporters but also his job security.
Rangers v FCSB, Europa League (24/10/24):
This Europa League clash at Ibrox carries enormous weight for Clement. Rangers are expected to beat Romanian side FCSB if they hope to progress from the group stage.
However, after the Kilmarnock defeat, even a win may not be enough to appease disgruntled fans. The atmosphere at Ibrox is tense, and anything less than three points will deepen the disconnect between the supporters and the team.
Rangers v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership (27/10/24):
Dropping further behind in the title race would be a major blow. Kris Boyd has already claimed there is “no chance” of Rangers catching Celtic this season, and failure to beat St Mirren at home will reinforce such concerns.
For any Rangers manager, a loss to St Mirren at Ibrox is unacceptable, and Clement will likely face loud calls for his dismissal if the result goes awry.
Aberdeen v Rangers, Scottish Premiership (30/10/24):
This midweek fixture at Pittodrie promises to be pivotal. Aberdeen are flying high, and Rangers fans fear the worst after witnessing the team struggle with Kilmarnock’s intensity.
A poor performance against the Dons would not only damage Clement’s reputation further but might also push the club’s hierarchy to consider a managerial change.
Motherwell v Rangers, Premier Sports Cup (03/11/24):
Clement’s Rangers must beat Motherwell in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden to keep their hopes of silverware alive.
Retaining the trophy could be essential for the manager’s survival, and a loss at this stage would be catastrophic. Winning the cup might be Clement’s best chance of earning some goodwill with supporters.
Olympiakos v Rangers, Europa League (07/11/24):
This Europa League away tie in Greece could be crucial depending on the outcome of the FCSB game. While expectations may be lower, a poor result against Olympiakos could further undermine Clement’s standing.
With Rangers having secured an earlier away win against Malmo, the team might feel optimistic—but if they falter, the pressure will escalate.
Rangers v Hearts, Scottish Premiership (10/11/24):
Hearts, reinvigorated under new manager Neil Critchley, visit Ibrox in what could be a decisive match for Clement. Dropped points at home would be disastrous for Rangers, with every game now critical in the race to stay competitive.
A failure to secure all three points could be the final straw for Clement, leaving the club with tough decisions to make ahead of the international break.
Conclusion
The next six matches are crucial for Philippe Clement’s future at Ibrox. With Rangers faltering in both domestic and European competitions, these fixtures offer Clement one final chance to restore faith among supporters. If he fails to deliver, the pressure to make a managerial change may prove impossible to resist.