Philippe Clement has played down his post-match hug with Lawrence Shankland, insisting it was “nothing special” and that all the Jambos felt the love in midweek.
The hug between the Hearts hitman and the Rangers leader quickly gained significance among the fan base. Prior to last month’s Viaplay Cup semi-final, Clement acknowledged that Shankland was a “interesting” player and that he was known to him from his time in Belgium with Beerschot. Shankland has been linked to a move to Ibrox.
Clement refuted claims that Shankland had preferential treatment, saying instead that it was just a routine exchange after the Light Blues’ 1-0 victory in Gorgie. He also pointed out that other of the Scotland international’s Tynecastle colleagues didn’t receive the same treatment. Clement quipped that he will now need to watch every step he makes in case he ends up unintentionally making more tales after realizing that a bite to eat in a Glasgow restaurant was enough to make news.
“You guys have previously written extensively on that subject. I will never discuss players in whom we have interest or do not.
“I have to give my actions some serious thought going forward. each and every moment of the day. I don’t want to end up like the previous Germany manager and national coach, Joachim Low, where I have to pick something out of my nose or whatever! It’s obvious that I need to be really careful about what I do. I said hello to every Hearts player I came across. Nothing particularly noteworthy occurred.”
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