Following his team’s friendly match with Copenhagen, Rangers manager Philippe Clement has been discussing the club’s injury situation as well as incoming and exiting transfers.
The Danish Superliga team, that has advanced to the Champions League knockout stage, and the Gers drew 2-2.
Prior to Kevin Diks’ equalizer, Cyriel Dessers’ regaining Rangers’ lead, and Johnly Yfeko’s own goal from a corner kick, Rangers had taken the lead thanks to a goal by Rabbi Matondo.
Rangers, who are gearing ready to resume their competitive season this weekend against Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup, fielded a total of 22 players in the match.
But, with the transfer market approaching quickly and a ton of injury rumors floating about, Philippe Clement wasn’t solely focused on the friendly match at Ibrox come kickoff.
Here is what the Rangers manager said during the news conference following the team’s home defeat against Copenhagen.
Philippe What was the general takeaway from this evening’s workout?
“A great deal. This marked the conclusion of an extremely demanding training camp and training week, during which we put a lot of pressure on the squad to improve their physical condition, and they performed admirably. Everyone who saw the game, in my opinion, saw some excellent play, two really good goals, and a number of really terrific plays and opportunities. I am therefore pleased with how we completed the two goals, as we have been putting a lot of effort into them. We can definitely get better at that than we have in the last few months. Conversely, some players recover from chronic injuries. They could be trained, not as thoroughly as the rest of the team, but they are improving and could need a few minutes today. Thus they’re likewise headed in the proper direction. We also had a few young players who weren’t in the Academy with us this week to help them develop and teach them the narrative of our preferred style of play. They performed well at this level, which is the highest they had ever played, which is another reason I wanted to offer them this experience. Now that you have the set pieces and the two goals, you can see that while they are not experts yet, it is not conceivable for them to become so in a single week. They must thus have these opportunities to make mistakes and grow from them. Other than that, I believe it was the ideal evening.
Before you resume playing competitive games, how would you evaluate the composition of your team? Fabio Silva is back, and you’re starting to get other players back from injuries. Had you hoped to have more players available for these games when they resume?
“Yeah, everyone agrees that we need a couple more in specific roles. I am aware that everyone involved in that at the club is working day and night on it. We communicate frequently. Although those things have kept us rather busy, nothing is finished until a signature is agreed upon by the player, us, and the other team. Thus, aside from all of the conversations we have with other players and staring at other players, I am waiting and paying attention to the players who are present. That is what I have to accomplish in January. Because of this, every manager is always relieved when February 1st arrives and this busy time of year comes to an end.
Do you think any of these agreements are approaching completion? Numerous things are underway.
I frequently get asked this, but which is closer? You remain the same distance from each other as long as there is no agreement. While certain things are near, the task must be completed.
Can you clarify if there has been any communication on Ridvan’s future and whether you anticipate him remaining with the team when the January transfer window closes? There has been a lot of conjecture about his whereabouts.
“I am unable to comment to it, and it is not directed at any player present. All of the players here are Rangers players, and I am working closely with the staff to maximize their potential. However, we must talk about any offer that is too good to turn down or that is beneficial to the team right now for any player at Rangers. I see it that way because Ridvan is here and has also started the game at this moment, even though that isn’t the case.
If you watch him, you’ll find that he’s currently displaying some really nice form. He was outstanding tonight, particularly in the first half, against Kilmarnock. Is he a player you hope to see continue playing with?
“We’ll see. We’ll watch to see what transpires. Players must also demonstrate their sincere want to stay for the upcoming few months, so we must be ready for anything and for every position so that we have backup plans in case something goes wrong. We have two players in that position; one is nearing the end of his contract, and there are a lot of rumors circulating about the other. Thus, it is evident that in order to have answers, we must be prepared for such situation.
Will you only let players go or sell them if you have someone else in line to take their place?
“It is evident, for instance, that we cannot continue in three competitions with just one left full-back. And it’s the same in other roles.
Does the length of time it’s taking for transfers to cross the line bother you in the slightest, Philippe?
That’s a thoughtful query. Perhaps I would have responded the way you desired if I were twenty years younger. No, this is nothing new; I am aware of the period. I joined this group in part because of the excellent conversations I had with all of the members who make choices. that I would be active in every aspect, and I really am. I am privy to every detail of every discussion and anything that is getting closer to being signed or not. I am fully informed. I’m at a loss for what more I could want. I am aware that everyone works around the clock. I can also see it in the times that they message or call me. Thus, no, I’m not irritated. I know everyone is working extremely hard for it, and I want the best for the group and the club. Therefore, it is challenging if it is tomorrow or January 31st as we have no control over those events and can only strive extremely hard for them.
Do you think the players in attendance are rejuvenated and prepared for the upcoming crucial stretch of the season?
How do you feel following this evening? Yes, I believe that everyone has witnessed the 22 players who are on the field today giving it their all for the team. Some in roles that are not their own as well. Although it’s not his ideal position, Cole (McKinnon) played left winger, and it was an excellent experience to play at this level. For this match, there were no additional wingers available. For instance, Leon King would play right full-back, giving it his all and having a strong performance. Thus, I believe that everyone’s intense work ethic and commitment to the team rather than themselves is our driving force at the present. That will be managed by me. They also understand that if someone thinks for himself, he won’t be on the team at first. And in that manner, they’re all feeling fantastic. Aside from strengthening our physical burden, I believe this week’s most crucial item to remember is that we cannot make significant changes in a single week. To improve the problem and get the team where I want them, we will need to spend several months together. However, I felt that our one-on-one conversations with nearly every player this week were the most significant aspect of the week. I then admitted to them that I always and everywhere do it throughout this time of year as well as during the summer. It’s been the most transparent, sincere, and honest conversation I’ve ever had with the team regarding their individual strengths, areas for improvement, what they think they did well, the club, our staff, and everything surrounding them. Thus, it was really fascinating. We had these discussions every evening from 8 to 11 and then had to prepare the training for the following day, so my staff and I missed some sleep. Despite this, I am quite happy with what I observed. It has been a really demanding week for both of us. Since this group of young men is headed in the correct direction, it is crucial that we maintain our trajectory in that manner.
Yes, he is still hurt. He isn’t yet ready to train with the group, but he is working one-on-one with the physiotherapists.
Do you believe he’ll return in the near future?
“I wanted to let the medical professionals work with the players, but I didn’t think he would be back this week, so I don’t want to make that happen. While some people heal quite quickly, for others things take a little longer, everything still happens on time. There are, I believe, additional updates. Kieran Dowell was not present today due to an injury he sustained in La Manga, and he will be out for a few weeks. His absence is expected to last for approximately two months. Thus, that’s a major setback for this week in the long run.
How reassuring is it to have players returning and choices available in the middle of the park, such as Ryan Jack, Cifuentes, and Raskin, when everyone was so pushed thin in December?
“I want every individual to fit in. I want to repeat what I have done successfully in the past, which is having more than 90% of the players available for practice and games until the end of the season in all the clubs I managed before coming here. However, there are a few things that need to change in the club, and we’re working hard to improve them.
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