The supporters’ support is something Philippe Clement is hoping to see during Tuesday’s “crucial” Rangers game at Ibrox against Kilmarnock.
Due to a ticket dispute between the two clubs, the match was played in front of home fans only on Saturday, leaving the Light Blues licking their wounds after a 2-1 loss. With two games remaining, the Gers are now eight points behind Premiership leaders Celtic. It was Clement’s first loss in 17 games since taking over from Michael Beale in October. Clement is anticipating a jam-packed and fervent Ibrox for the last game before the holiday.
“Yes, it’s crucial,” the Belgian manager stated. In addition, I anticipate that our supporters will encourage the team from the opening to the closing moments. This is because the players have demonstrated a lot during a very positive phase that has just ended. You should be disappointed with the outcome on Saturday as well, but not with the performance. 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 will repeat that one more time. And from the first to the very end, I hope to see the supporters of the team.
Gers skipper James Tavernier scored a terrific free-kick in the 88th minute at Celtic Park to make it a nervy ending for the Scottish champions, who led through terrific goals from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi, with Rangers defender Leon Balogun sent off for denying Daizen Maeda a clear goalscoring opportunity. While the performances of defender Dujon Sterling, again playing out of position in midfield, and young winger Ross McCausland, were put to Clement as positives in the defeat, the former Genk, Club Brugge and Monaco boss preferred to look at his squad in the round.
He said: “You guys have picked out Dujon and Ross. 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 where 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.”
Portuguese attacker Fabio Silva, who signed on loan until the end of the season from Wolves, will be available for selection but Clement said: “We will have to see about the availability of players. I need to see also after every game what the situation is with the players. So we will see.”
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