Philippe Clement Admits ‘Frustration’ Over Rangers Failure After Ibrox Exit
Philippe Clement has finally broken his silence after his abrupt exit from Rangers FC, expressing deep frustration and disappointment over his inability to meet expectations at Ibrox.
The Belgian coach, who took charge in October 2023, lasted only 16 months before being dismissed following a series of poor results that left Rangers trailing behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. Clement, who previously managed Genk, Club Brugge, and Monaco, described his departure as a painful experience, admitting he was unable to bring the consistency that fans and management demanded.
His tenure saw early success with a League Cup victory and Rangers’ progress to the last 16 of the Europa League. However, back-to-back home defeats to St Mirren and Queen’s Park proved costly, leading to his dismissal.
Now, in an emotional statement, Clement has shared his side of the story.
Clement’s Emotional Farewell: “I Leave with a Heavy Heart”
For the first time since his sacking, Clement took to social media to express his disappointment over how his time at Rangers ended.
“It has taken me a few days to fully process and accept the end of my time with this exceptional club,” he said.
“I leave with a heavy heart, frustrated and disappointed that I couldn’t consistently bring the team to the level we all expected. I understand your frustrations, and I share them.”
Clement also acknowledged the support of the Rangers fans, emphasizing the connection he felt during his time at the club.
“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 reason, Rangers will always hold a special place in my heart.”
His words reflect a genuine affection for the club and its supporters, but also an understanding that results ultimately dictate a manager’s fate.
What Went Wrong for Philippe Clement at Rangers?
Clement arrived at Ibrox with high expectations, taking over from Michael Beale in October 2023. His tenure started positively, securing the Scottish League Cup just two months into his reign. This victory seemed to signal a potential revival for Rangers, but inconsistency in league performances soon became a major issue.
The defining moments that led to his downfall included:
- League Struggles: Despite early promise, Rangers failed to keep pace with Celtic, falling 13 points behind their rivals.
- Cup Shock: A shocking Scottish Cup defeat to Championship side Queen’s Park on February 9 raised serious concerns about the team’s mentality.
- Home Woes: Consecutive Ibrox defeats to Queen’s Park and St Mirren shattered confidence and led to mounting pressure.
- Lack of Consistency: While there were moments of brilliance, Rangers failed to maintain a high level of performance throughout the season.
With Rangers looking at the prospect of a trophyless season, the board felt it was time to act.
Rangers Under Barry Ferguson: What’s Next for the Club?
Following Clement’s dismissal, club legend Barry Ferguson stepped in as caretaker manager. His first game in charge saw Rangers stage an impressive comeback to beat Kilmarnock 4-2 after trailing 2-0. However, the momentum didn’t last long, as Rangers suffered yet another home defeat, losing 2-1 to Motherwell at Ibrox.
The loss left Rangers a staggering 16 points behind Celtic, making their title hopes all but impossible. With Europa League fixtures looming, Ferguson now faces an uphill battle to stabilize the squad and restore confidence.
The upcoming Europa League clash against Fenerbahce will be a crucial test for the team, as they look to salvage some pride from an otherwise disappointing season.
Can Rangers Bounce Back from This Crisis?
Clement’s departure has left Rangers at a crossroads. The club must now decide on a permanent managerial replacement who can restore stability and challenge Celtic for the Premiership title.
Some key questions for the club moving forward include:
- Who will be the next permanent Rangers manager?
- Can Rangers still qualify for the Champions League next season?
- What squad changes are needed to compete at the highest level?
Rangers fans remain hopeful that the club can turn things around, but there is no denying that Clement’s exit marks a turbulent period at Ibrox.
As the club searches for a new direction, one thing is clear—Rangers cannot afford another season of disappointment.
Final Thoughts: Clement’s Legacy at Rangers
While Philippe Clement’s time at Rangers ended in frustration, his short tenure wasn’t without its positives. Winning the League Cup and progressing in Europe were commendable achievements, but inconsistency in the league ultimately led to his downfall.
His departure highlights the high expectations at Ibrox, where only sustained success can keep a manager in charge.
With Barry Ferguson now at the helm, Rangers must quickly regroup and find a way to finish the season on a high note. But as Clement’s words suggest, his time at the club—though brief—will not be forgotten.
For Rangers, however, the focus must now shift towards the future and finding the right leader to take them forward.