Kris Boyd has delivered a stinging critique of Rangers manager Philippe Clement, arguing that the Belgian’s tenure at Ibrox should come to an end after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
This defeat leaves Rangers trailing nine points behind an in-form Aberdeen, managed by Jimmy Thelin. Boyd’s comments came as Aberdeen fans taunted Clement with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning,” a sentiment Boyd surprisingly agreed with.
Boyd’s Criticism of Clement’s Excuses
In his post-match interview, Clement described Rangers’ performance as one of their best this season, a claim Boyd found hard to swallow:
Boyd said: “No, again it’s just excuses. The longer the interview went on, the more excuses were coming out. Whatever you want to speak about, the result is all that matters. Another big game – what is that you have lost three of your opening 10? Drew one as well. It’s not good enough. You speak about improvement, I don’t see it.”
On Aberdeen’s efficiency vs. Rangers’ spending: Boyd pointed out Aberdeen’s impressive squad building on a modest budget compared to Rangers’ substantial investments: “Aberdeen have recruited and built this squad with less than £2 million and lost their best player. Rangers have spent an absolute fortune and they are worse in every position.”
Sutton Joins the Critique
Former Celtic striker and pundit Chris Sutton also criticised Clement’s comments, calling them “delusional”:
Sutton remarked: “It’s not embarrassing, the interview – well…it is embarrassing, but it’s more delusion. I mean, what is he talking about?”
Joe Lewis, former Aberdeen goalkeeper, echoed this view: “If I’m a Rangers fan, that is the most worrying thing I have seen today.”
Boyd on Rangers’ Underperformance and Fans’ Perception
Boyd argued that even the most optimistic Rangers fans are starting to lose faith:
Boyd stated: “Even the Rangers with blue-tinted glasses can see through this now. This ain’t working…Hearts 0-0 at the start of the season, Kilmarnock deserved to win against Rangers as well. The budgets are absolutely nowhere near Rangers.”
Sutton Questions Clement’s Managerial Approach
Sutton questioned Boyd on whether he trusted Clement’s approach, particularly his recent celebratory behaviour and statements:
Sutton asked: “The question is Kris, do you trust him? Some of his behaviour and stuff he has said all season has been erratic…He is talking about the next transfer window, would you really trust him to sign anybody in January?”
Boyd on Clement’s Contract and Recruitment Issues
Boyd criticised Rangers’ decision to extend Clement’s contract, suggesting it was more about perception:
Boyd argued: “I think the new contract was all about perception because everybody was against Rangers, saying we are backing our manager.”
He also questioned the role of Nils Koppen, Rangers’ head of recruitment, in the club’s signings: “Ross Wilson got a lot of stick for his recruitment. But what is Nils Koppen doing? He was a scout at PSV. And now he is heading up one of the biggest clubs in Europe under pressure to get players in.”
Concerns Over Recent Signings
Boyd highlighted the expensive yet underwhelming signings Rangers have made, questioning the club’s transfer strategy:
Boyd noted: “Diomande cost £4 million, Jefte £1 million, Cortes…we have hardly seen, Igamane – a project at £1.75 million – the list goes on. Somebody needs to get a grip of it.”
Sutton’s Final Question and Boyd’s Conclusion:
Sutton posed the ultimate question about Clement’s future:
Sutton asked: “You say get a grip of it, what needs to happen? Does Philippe Clement need to go?”
Boyd responded: “We know how football works and yeah, for me now, yes. He does.”
In conclusion, Boyd, Sutton, and Lewis painted a bleak picture of Rangers’ current management and recruitment approach, leaving the club’s future under Clement in serious doubt.