Reviving Glory: Philippe Clement Unveils Ambitious Plans for Rangers in Exclusive Sky Sports Interview

Rangers' newly appointed manager, Philippe Clement, is determined to achieve unprecedented success with the club and has outlined his strategy to bridge the gap to Celtic by implementing a dominant football style at Ibrox. In an exclusive interview with We, the Belgian coach disclosed his decision to reject more financially rewarding opportunities in order to join Rangers, underscoring his unwavering commitment to restore triumph to the team.

Clement took over from Michael Beale, who was dismissed after only 10 months in charge. He is optimistic that he will have enough time to implement his ideas and methods.

In an extensive interview, Clement also addressed potential transfer strategies for January and his approach to maximizing the current squad's capabilities this season.

Ahead of his inaugural match as manager, when Hibernian pays a visit to Ibrox Stadium this Saturday for a 3pm kickoff, which you can track on the We website and app, continue reading to learn about the aspirations of the new Rangers boss...

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

What makes Rangers the ideal choice for you in your current career stage?

After multiple discussions with various clubs in Europe and beyond, I concluded that Rangers offered the most promising project. I was seeking a club with immense passion and a devoted fan base, and I found that here. Moreover, the individuals I encountered from the club showcased an extraordinary dedication towards their team. They also shared a desire to revolutionize the approach to running a football club, which strongly resonated with my own ideas.

Graeme Souness was present during the initial discussions, where we delved into football, details, the team, the fans, and people's expectations. As the process progressed, additional individuals from the club also became involved.

I found it fascinating to acquire a wealth of information about the club. I also engaged in a conversation with Thomas Buffel, a former player with extensive knowledge of the club. The insights I obtained allowed me to make a highly informed decision.

Were there alternative possibilities aside from the offers from Saudi Arabia?

Numerous financially advantageous choices were available; however, that is of minimal significance to me. My primary aim is to embark on a commendable project and construct something alongside the club's members. I envision a long-term endeavor that we can enhance together.

According to your social media posts, you have commenced your work by reviewing footage from past games. Additionally, you have acquainted yourself with the players. Please share your insights on this team's progress thus far.

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 for improvement and opportunities for growth. It is evident to me that we have the potential to thrive with this team. Together, we can advance and expand with this organization in the coming months and years.

However, I am aware that it will be a challenging endeavor. Over time, we must continually strive to enhance the story collaboratively with players and staff, as well as refine our work process. If we effectively execute these aspects, significant progress can be achieved in a few months, although it is important to acknowledge that it will require an investment of time.

In order to boost player confidence, what approach is necessary? Are substantial modifications needed or only 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 an unrealistic endeavor, both here and in my previous clubs. Ultimately, what matters most is achieving successful outcomes through a cohesive team that scores plentiful goals, while playing an appealing and dominant style of football. These are the aspects that spectators desire, and I firmly believe that we will eventually attain those standards. I recognize the potential within our current group of players and have full confidence in their abilities. It's now a matter of instilling trust in them and gradually progressing together.

How would you characterize your playing style?

I have always employed a dominant style of play. Even when I began my career with Waasland-Beveren, a team at risk of relegation, we managed to achieve success through our dominant and effective football approach.

I am eager to assume control of the game, as creating opportunities and fostering a well-structured approach is of utmost importance to me. Ultimately, the ultimate objective remains victory. In pursuit of this goal, my style revolves around generating chances and carving out spaces for our team. This entails frequent positional changes among players and a synchronized movement across the field.

It revolves around timing and effective collaboration, thus requiring sufficient time for the implementation of these elements. As the fourth manager to lead Rangers within a span of two years, how optimistic are you, based on your discussions, about securing the necessary duration to achieve success according to your desired methods?

I have absolute confidence in this. I have witnessed individuals who are committed to finding a suitable manager, and they have gone through an extensive process of engaging with numerous coaches to ensure they make the best decision.

They have a clear understanding of what they are embarking on. We have established complete clarity regarding this matter from both perspectives.

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 that we fulfill fans' desires, while simultaneously relying on their enthusiasm and support for the team, as it plays a significant role in the team's success.

What is your understanding of the pressure and scrutiny faced by Glasgow as a football 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 to achieve championship status. Once accomplished, the aim is to reclaim the championship title, followed by a quest for a third consecutive win.

This desire to excel is intrinsic to my being. No external force can exert greater pressure on me than my own self.

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.

Arriving early in the season with the team trailing Celtic by seven points, along with the upcoming League Cup semi-final, highlights the significance of all competitions. How confident do you feel about closing the seven-point gap and succeeding in these challenges? In conclusion, my aim is to triumph in every competition and strive for victory in each one we partake in.

Secondly, concerning the gap [to Celtic], it is crucial that we center our attention on our own progress. We must concentrate on the necessary steps to enhance our performance, accumulate more points, showcase improved football, engage the fans in supporting the team, and ultimately, establish a more positive dynamic once again.

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

Looking too far ahead about what might occur in six months is not crucial. Instead, we should focus on the present, the upcoming weeks, and the following months. By taking things week by week, we can construct the narrative effectively.

While we may encounter obstacles along the journey, it is vital to maintain confidence and foster team development. We must provide each team member with a distinct understanding of their responsibilities on the field, enabling them to make the correct decisions and foster teamwork.

To me, it feels similar to running a marathon. Instead of overly fixating on the current seven-point gap and exhausting ourselves by sprinting recklessly, we should concentrate on the runner ahead of us. By maintaining a steady pace and finding a good rhythm, we can aim for a comeback later in the season.

What information have you received regarding budgets? Is there any opportunity to recruit your own players for January?

There have been discussions regarding it, although they are confidential discussions between myself and the board.

Presently, the primary focus is for me and my team to assess the squad and gain a comprehensive understanding of what we deem essential or unnecessary. Are there any players who exhibit potential for growth or not?

I anticipate several delightful surprises for the club. Can you provide us with information regarding your backroom staff? Will you consider adding someone with experience in Scottish football or familiarity with this club?

Definitely, this holds great significance for me.

It is crucial to not only have experience in Scottish football, but also employ analysts to observe matches, as I personally do. Additionally, establishing a connection with the academy is equally important.

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 support from the fans to thrive. In addition, they need a positive atmosphere to help them stay focused and motivated, even during challenging moments in the game. This will encourage them to score goals and handle setbacks gracefully. Harnessing the power of the fans in a positive and united manner can infuse the players with tremendous energy.

In the upcoming weeks, I anticipate witnessing the fans' comprehension of their significant influence in propelling the team towards triumph, despite occasional frustrations caused by unforeseen game outcomes.