Philippe Clement Unveils Ambitious Blueprint for Rangers' Triumphant Return in Exclusive Sky Sports Interview

Rangers' newly appointed manager, Philippe Clement, expressed his determination to attain victory in all competitions and outlined his strategy to narrow the distance between Rangers and Celtic through assertive football played at Ibrox. In an exclusive interview with We, the Belgian coach disclosed that he rejected more financially appealing offers in favor of joining Rangers, underscoring his unwavering commitment to restoring triumph to the club.

Clement, who took over from the sacked Michael Beale after a brief 10-month tenure, is optimistic about receiving the necessary time to incorporate his ideas and strategies. In an extensive interview, he also delved into the potential transfer plans for January and outlined his approach to maximizing the current squad's quality this season.

Ahead of his inaugural match as the manager, the exciting encounter against Hibernian at home this Saturday, scheduled for a thrilling 3pm kick-off, make sure to stay updated by following it on the We website and app. Now, delve into the words of the newly appointed Rangers boss as he eloquently illustrates his profound aspirations...

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Philippe Clement is the new Rangers boss after signing a deal until 2027

What makes Rangers the ideal choice for your career right now? Over the past few weeks and months, I have engaged in discussions with multiple clubs both within and outside of Europe. However, it is the conversations I had with Rangers that stood out as the most promising project. I was specifically seeking a club that exuded passion and boasted a considerable fanbase. Additionally, the individuals I met from the club displayed a genuine enthusiasm for the team and a shared vision for implementing changes in the way a football club operates. Our ideas and goals were perfectly aligned.

How was the process? Was Graeme Souness present during your meeting with him?

Indeed, Graeme was present during the initial discussions where football, team dynamics, fan engagement, and expectations were thoroughly addressed. Subsequently, additional representatives from the club also participated in the process.

I found it intriguing to acquire a greater understanding of the club. In addition, I had a conversation with Thomas Buffel, a former player with extensive knowledge of the club. Through these discussions, I gained sufficient information to make a highly informed decision.

Were there alternative choices aside from the reported offers from Saudi Arabia?

There were several economically superior choices, however, that is not my priority. My objective is to embark on a commendable project and collectively construct something with the club members. I aim for a project that is sustainable and gradually improved.

You shared on social media that you have already commenced work by reviewing past game footage. With that said, having interacted with the players, what insights have you gained about this team?

I cannot reveal all the details because all my colleagues will be watching this.

There are things to improve but there's also a lot of potential.

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Upon entering a project, it becomes evident that there are areas that can be improved and opportunities for growth. It is apparent to me that with this team, we have the potential for substantial progress. This club has the capacity to expand and flourish in the foreseeable future.

I recognize that it will be a challenging task. Over time, we can enhance the narrative by collaborating with both players and staff, as well as improving our work processes. By effectively undertaking these aspects, we can make significant progress in a matter of months, albeit requiring some time as well.

What strategies do you employ to boost players' confidence? Does this role necessitate major overhauls or minor adjustments?

If you make major changes directly you make people more nervous than they are already.

So, we need to do things step by step.

Implementing all my football philosophies in just five days is simply not feasible. This holds true not only here, but also at my previous clubs.

Ultimately, the desired outcome is to have a cohesive and powerful team that excels in scoring goals and playing eye-catching, dominant football. These aspects are what fans anticipate and I am certain that we will achieve this. I possess a belief in the players who currently make up the team. It is about instilling confidence in them and gradually developing together as a unit.

How would you describe your playing style?

Throughout my career, my style of play has always been dominant. Even when I started with Waasland-Beveren, a team facing relegation, we consistently applied a dominant approach and achieved positive outcomes.

I have a strong desire to be in control of the game and prioritize a well-organized approach to creativity. Ultimately, my objective is to come out victorious.

My playing style revolves around generating opportunities and opening up spaces for our team, incorporating dynamic player positioning. This requires constant movement and coordination among various players.

Timing and effective collaboration are crucial. Therefore, the implementation of these aspects requires sufficient time.

As the fourth manager in the span of two years at Rangers, the question remains: how optimistic are you about receiving the necessary time and support to achieve success according to your vision?

I am confident in this. I have encountered individuals who are determined to secure a manager, and they have gone through an extensive selection process, engaging in numerous discussions with coaches to ensure they make the best decision.

They understand the expectations and responsibilities associated with the role. We had open and transparent communication about this from both parties.

It's now time for me to focus on the team and making the team better.

Also, it's very important to get the synergy between the team and the fans better again.

It is crucial to cater to the desires of the fans, while also ensuring that the fans contribute their energy and positivity to support the team, as the team greatly relies on it.

What is your understanding of the pressure and scrutiny faced by Glasgow as a footballing city?

I know about it. I spoke with Thomas Buffel about it.

I've been a long time in football, and it is also the thing I love.

In Bruges, the sole objective is attaining championship status. Once achieved, the aim is to reclaim the championship title repeatedly, be it for a second or even a third time.

This drive defines my essence, as I place the most significant pressure on myself, surpassing any external expectations.

I want to win every game and have every day perfect. I want the next day to be better than the day before. That's who I am and that is why I love this job.

That is also why I love this challenge.

You arrive with the team trailing Celtic by seven points early in the season, with a League Cup semi-final ahead. How crucial are all the competitions and how confident are you in closing the seven-point gap?

First and foremost, my aim is to emerge victorious in all competitions. The desire to win is present in every competition we partake in.

Secondly, concerning the disparity [to Celtic], it is imperative that we direct our attention inward and concentrate on the measures necessary for improvement. We must aim to accumulate more points, perform superior football, garner the support of fans, and restore a more efficient team dynamic.

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Philippe Clement's first match as Rangers boss is against Hibernian on Saturday

Looking too far ahead six months in advance is not advisable. Instead, our focus should be on the present, the upcoming weeks, and the months ahead. Our aim is to gradually develop the narrative week by week.

Undoubtedly, we may encounter obstacles along the journey. Nonetheless, it is crucial to maintain confidence and foster team growth. We must provide each individual with a clear understanding of their responsibilities on the field, enabling them to make the right choices and contribute to our collective growth as a team.

To me, it feels like participating in a marathon. Instead of fixating on the seven-point gap and exhausting ourselves by sprinting intensely, we should concentrate on the person ahead of us who is running and strive to maintain a steady pace. By establishing a good tempo, we can aim for a successful comeback throughout the season.

Regarding budgets, what information have you been given? Is there an opportunity to bring in your own players this January?

There have been discussions about it, but they remain confidential between myself and the board.

Currently, it is crucial for me and my team to evaluate the squad and assess what we believe is essential or not. Are there players who have potential for growth or not?

I am expecting some highly positive surprises for the club. Regarding your backroom staff, are you considering recruiting someone with experience in Scottish football or with previous involvement in this club?

Certainly, this holds significant value for me. It extends beyond someone with experience in Scottish football as there are analysts to observe matches, and I personally engage in game analysis. Moreover, it establishes a connection with the academy as well.

That's a very important point for me also.

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Clement spoke exclusively to We in his first media interview since joining Rangers

To have somebody who knows the city, knows the players and who knows everything about the club.

We have interim staff now together with us so that we can look at the next couple of weeks.

If we keep this way of working, or get other people in, or keep the same people, we have freedom to decide and look at what is best for the club.

What's your message to the Rangers fans?

I'm really hungry to give this club success again.

I've been here now one day but I also see players who want to do that too.

The players require robust fan support and positivity during challenging moments in the game. This will drive them towards scoring goals, staying focused, and responding positively to setbacks. If we can harness the fans' support effectively and create a harmonious narrative, it will greatly boost the players' energy.

I acknowledge that fans may experience frustration when their expectations for a game are not met. However, it is important for them to recognize the significant influence they possess in propelling the team forward during crucial moments.

This is a quality that I eagerly anticipate witnessing in the upcoming weeks.