The Belgian manager lost for the first time since taking over as Celtic prevailed in a close and contentious derby at Parkhead. Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo’s goals were enough to seal the win for Rangers, who saw Leon Balogun sent off. James Tavernier’s magnificent free kick cut the deficit, but Rangers were unable to find a late equalizer.

Although Clement’s team still has two games remaining against their Old Firm rivals, Celtic leads the Premiership title race by eight points at this point. But first, they have a match to play this afternoon against Kilmarnock, which is their last before the winter break.

Since taking over as manager in October from Michael Beale, Clement has had a significant impact. With the arrival of striker Fabio Silva last week, preparations for the second half of the season got underway. The Portuguese player is keen to close out 2023 with a bang, and he may make his debut against Killie.

“It’s important, yes,” Clement responded when questioned about the significance of winning against Kilmarnock.”I also anticipate that our supporters will encourage the team and cheer them on from the starting to the finishing moments. This is because the players have demonstrated a lot during a very positive phase that has just ended.

“On Saturday, you should be disappointed with the outcome rather than the performance if that’s all you’re looking at. Thus, they are acting in a way that their supporters anticipate. Giving it their all and going all out each time is causing the shirt to get extremely dirty.

“So on Tuesday, we’ll repeat that one more time. And I anticipate seeing the supporters of the team through it all.

The Rangers’ long unbeaten streak under Clement’s leadership came to an end with the derby loss, which was a bitter pill to swallow. The Belgian acknowledged that his team erred during the Parkhead match, but he was perplexed by a string of controversial calls that sparked controversy even days later.

One of the positives for Clement was the performance of Dujon Sterling. The full-back showed up well in a midfield role once again and his adaptability has been crucial for Rangers during a period of significant injury issues.

“I think he played a really good game on Saturday,” Clement said. “He was maybe the best midfielder on the pitch. I’m happy with him and he’s a good example of what I want – players who are available for the team in whatever position.

“He doesn’t say, ‘This is my position and I can only play there’. No, if you really have a good mindset then players with good quality can play in a lot of positions and he’s doing that for the team. It’s been a really important thing these last few weeks in these circumstances with all these other injuries.”

The dismissal of Balogun all-but ended chances of a maiden Old Firm win for Clement and there was no grandstand finish despite Tavernier giving Rangers hope heading into the closing stages. By that time, the damage had been done for Rangers.

Clement was able to see the silver linings in the aftermath of the defeat. Now it is all about the reaction from his players as Rangers look to regroup and go again in the Premiership.

“Yes, him also but you guys have picked out Dujon and Ross,” Clement said when asked about youngster Ross McCausland on his derby debut. “But it’s a difficult thing for me because I need to pick out a lot of names. I didn’t see one player who didn’t fight. I didn’t see one player who didn’t show quality in a lot of moments. Yes there were mistakes made but I’m really happy with the way this team is reacting.

“I’m really happy with the way this team is growing and we need to continue. This needs to give us more hunger. I’ve said it the last few weeks. Maybe I’ve said it too much. Now the most interesting thing for me is to see after a disappointment, a moment were you are not happy, and how they react.

“They showed it on Saturday because going 2-0 behind and going down to 10 in a strange situation where your supporters are not in allowed in the stadium, and showing that character. I think they sent a good message. But I think they need to show a strong message on Tuesday too.”

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