Philippe Clement has given his first press conference as the manager of theRangers.
The big bald Belgian, true to form, told both the slavering media pack and the Ibrox supporters what just what they wanted to hear. He was in Scotland to be a winner, and not just the odd trophy, he is going to win it all, and in style too.
In true deluded fashion, each and everyone of them gobbled it up, hook, line and sinker. It’s like eat sleep repeat. New boss comes in, he’s the best thing since sliced bread, he’s going to conquer all before him, 56 and all that blah, de blah.
Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic scores the winner during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between theRangers and Celtic at Ibrox on September 03, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Admittedly Clement could very well be the toughest opponent Brendan has come up against in his two spells at the club, but that is a fight that Brendan will be well prepared for and one I’m sure he’s excited about.
In his first spell he conquered all before him and indeed his closest rival was Derek McInnes of Aberdeen, with the Dons finishing runners up in the league to Celtic in the Brendan’s three years at the club, as well as facing each other in three cup finals.
Michael Beale was also easily swotted aside by the Irishman with relative ease as he returned to the Celtic hot seat, but despite his bluster he was a dead man walking in the Ibrox after being battered by Ange Postecoglou continually during their meaningful meetings in the Glasgow derbies last season.
‘Disappointed’
I doubt that will be the case with Clement who has a decent enough CV, but Brendan Rodgers seems to provide the goods when he’s faced with a challenge, indeed Clement’s arrival will make Brendan’s own job all the more interesting for the Celtic manager.
This time will be no different and although it could prove tough, I’ve every confidence in Brendan coming out on top, just like he always does. Clement has secured a long term deal and with them still having to pay-off the previous two bosses that they sacked, he looks like he’ll be given the chance to build a team to challenge Celtic. One question worth asking is where the money will come from to do that?
Clement took training yesterday for the first time and got his first glimpse of the squad Beale has left for him to work with. He was aided by Alex Rae who was the subject of that hilarious undertaker spoof a week or so ago. This little tweet made me laugh out loud yesterday…
Just an Ordinary Bhoy