Philippe Clement insists Rangers “will always hold a special place in my heart” regardless of his sacking final month.
The Belgian supervisor was faraway from his submit as Ibrox supervisor after 16 months, following a house loss to St Mirren within the Scottish Premiership.
That end result got here simply weeks after Rangers’ hopes of successful home silverware this season have been all however ended following a shock 1-0 Scottish Cup defeat at residence to Championship aspect Queen’s Park, with the Gers having already misplaced the League Cup last to their Previous Agency rivals.
Former Genk, Membership Brugge and Monaco boss Clement admits he was “frustrated and disappointed” at how issues performed out throughout his time in Glasgow – with final season’s League Cup his solely trophy success.
Clement – who was changed by Barry Ferguson till the tip of this season – mentioned on Instagram: “It has taken me just a few days to completely course of and settle for the tip of my time with this distinctive membership.
“I depart with a heavy coronary heart, annoyed and disillusioned that I could not constantly carry the group to the extent all of us anticipated. I perceive your frustrations, and I share them.
“We labored passionately, day and evening, and whereas we confronted challenges, I’ll always remember the numerous nice moments we had collectively.
“Your unwavering support and the energy from the fans made those times truly special. In those moments, it felt like we were one big family.
“For that purpose, Rangers will all the time maintain a particular place in my coronary heart.”
What went flawed for Clement?
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The story of Philippe Clement’s time at Rangers after his Ibrox sacking
When the former Genk, Membership Brugge and Monaco boss took over at Ibrox in October 2023, Rangers discovered themselves seven factors adrift of Celtic after a poor begin to the season underneath Michael Beale.
Nevertheless, his influence was instantaneous. Unbeaten runs lasting 16 video games then 14 video games – separated solely by a defeat to Celtic – noticed Rangers draw stage on the high of the desk, having performed a recreation fewer.
Clement had additionally secured the League Cup trophy for the primary time since 2011, bought to the Scottish Cup semis and Europa League final 16.
Clement received the League Cup final season at Rangers
Nevertheless, issues then took a flip and, in fact, Rangers by no means actually recovered.
A 3-2 defeat at Ross County adopted by a draw at Dundee days later noticed momentum swing in Celtic’s favour. Rangers misplaced solely two extra video games final season however they have been each in opposition to Brendan Rodgers’ aspect who sealed the league title and Scottish Cup.
The summer season was all about Rangers’ “big rebuild” because the membership regarded to chop wages, cut back the typical age of the squad and add key gamers to assist problem Celtic this season.
Working alongside now-technical director Nils Koppen, 11 gamers have been signed and 16 departed – together with high-profile stars like Connor Goldson, Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic and John Lundstram.
Clement mentioned his job was a lot greater than the “small renovation” dealing with Celtic – however he knew followers nonetheless anticipated outcomes. Nevertheless, not like his first few months within the job, Rangers didn’t produce these outcomes constantly sufficient.
A goalless draw of their Scottish Premiership opener away to Hearts was an indication of issues to return, whereas defeat to Dynamo Kyiv ended their Champions League hopes.
Clement’s aspect would go on to drop factors on the highway as they misplaced at Celtic Park, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen.
One other defeat to Celtic within the League Cup last plus extra dropped factors away to St Mirren, Motherwell, Hibernian and Dundee noticed 2024 finish on a low.
Rangers misplaced to Celtic within the League Cup last this season
There have been some indicators of promise alongside the way in which, together with a primary Previous Agency win for Clement, a draw in opposition to Spurs and progress to the Europa League final 16.
Clement mentioned he wouldn’t stop after that shock 1-0 defeat to Championship membership Queen’s Park within the Scottish Cup. Nevertheless, after months of strain, the choice was taken out of his arms as Rangers parted firm with one other supervisor.
