Rangers, in a stunning move, have parted ways with manager Philippe Clement after a disappointing home loss to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. This decision comes after weeks of underwhelming performances, including a shocking Scottish Cup defeat to Queen’s Park and a loss in the League Cup final to Celtic, leaving the club 13 points behind in the title race with 11 games to go.
The club released a statement on Sunday night, confirming the departure of Clement after 16 months at the helm. Despite leading Rangers to the last 16 of the Europa League, the recent slump in domestic competitions prompted the decision. Fans and pundits alike had been critical of Clement’s leadership, calling for a change in management.
### Clement’s Tenure at Rangers
When Philippe Clement took over at Ibrox in October 2023, he inherited a struggling team that was seven points behind Celtic in the league standings. However, he quickly turned things around with impressive unbeaten runs and a League Cup victory. The early success raised hopes among fans for a title challenge. Still, the team’s form began to decline, culminating in critical losses that ultimately led to Clement’s dismissal.
Despite high expectations for the season, Rangers’ performance suffered due to a series of setbacks, including key player departures in the summer transfer window. The club underwent significant changes under Clement, with a focus on rebuilding the squad for a stronger challenge against Celtic. However, inconsistent results and poor away form derailed the team’s title aspirations.
### The Search for a New Manager
As Rangers embark on their search for a new manager, several names have surfaced as potential candidates. Steven Gerrard, the former Rangers boss, is among the front-runners, having recently left his position in Saudi Arabia. Fans are eager to see Gerrard return to Ibrox after his successful tenure that delivered the club’s last Scottish Premiership title in 2021.
Other contenders for the managerial role include Gennaro Gattuso, Kevin Muscat, Derek McInnes, and Russell Martin, each bringing unique experiences and credentials to the table. With the club’s history of managerial changes in recent years, Rangers’ board faces the challenge of selecting a candidate capable of stabilizing the team and delivering results.
As Rangers prepare for upcoming fixtures, including a crucial clash with Kilmarnock, the focus remains on regaining momentum in the league and progressing in the Europa League. The club’s leadership aims to make a strategic appointment to guide Rangers through the remainder of the season and beyond. Stay tuned for updates on the managerial search and the team’s performance in the coming weeks.
