Rangers

Rangers Football Club is currently navigating a turbulent period, with mounting pressure on manager Philippe Clement following a series of underwhelming performances. The team's recent 1-1 draw against Dundee at Dens Park has intensified scrutiny, leaving Rangers 15 points adrift of league leaders Celtic.
The Scottish Sun

The match against Dundee exemplified Rangers' ongoing struggles, particularly in away fixtures. An early goal from Dundee's Oluwaseun Adewumi was countered by an equalizer from Vaclav Cerny before halftime. Despite dominating possession, Rangers failed to capitalize, with late attempts, including a shot that struck the crossbar by Mo Diomande, proving futile. This result underscores a broader pattern of inconsistency, with the team securing only three victories in 11 away Premiership games this season.

Manager Philippe Clement has publicly asserted that he retains the unwavering support of the Rangers board, stating they are "200 percent" behind him. He acknowledges the team's subpar performances and the growing frustration among the fanbase but emphasizes his confidence in the board's backing. Clement has highlighted ongoing discussions about future plans, including the January transfer window, and points to a lack of stability and confidence among players, exacerbated by constant changes and the absence of key personnel. He underscores the necessity of rebuilding confidence and delivering quality performances to regain supporters' trust.

However, this stance has not quelled the dissatisfaction among fans and pundits. Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has been particularly vocal, urging the board to take immediate action regarding Clement's position. Boyd criticizes Clement's reliance on sports science in team selection and the team's dismal away record, warning that continued poor results could lead to significant unrest among supporters.

Adding to the chorus of criticism, former Celtic player Chris Sutton has lambasted Rangers' recent performances, suggesting that rivals Celtic are "laughing" at Rangers' struggles. Sutton condemns Clement's tendency to attribute poor performances to budget disparities, urging him to take responsibility for the team's ongoing issues.

The situation is further complicated by internal tensions. Clement's public criticism of player Hamza Igamane, following the draw against Dundee, has sparked backlash among fans. Supporters argue that Igamane has been a key performer, and Clement's comments have been perceived as deflecting blame from his managerial shortcomings.

Despite the mounting pressure, some voices within the Rangers community advocate for patience. Club legend Ally McCoist suggests that Clement's position may be secure, at least until the end of the season, following a notable victory over Celtic. McCoist emphasizes the need for stability and cautions against the financial implications of another managerial change.