Philippe Clement’s philosophy already looks better than the one that Michael Beale claimed he was going to bring to Rangers.
The Belgian arrived with a calm authority, with the prescence of a man who knows he’s has the trophy cabinet to back up his words.
Against Sparta Prague, Philippe Clement will have to impart the same mentality that saw such a positive start against Hibs.
Philippe Clement must get mindset right for Rangers
The last time Rangers played Sparta Prague away from home, they were timid, uninspired and shapeless – a crisis in defence didn’t help.
When the two sides met at Ibrox it was almost a mirror image, Rangers were aggressive, well-structured and a constant threat.
Since Steven Gerrard took over, Rangers European record has improved significantly thanks, in no small part, thanks to the way in which we set up.
Philippe Clement likes his players to be brave and dominate games, Rangers have shown in the recent past that they can mix it with decent sides on their own turf.
This mentality is exactly what saw Rangers gain a valuable point against Porto in 2019.
Borna Barisic starting almost in line with the front three before being released by Ryan Kent before playing and inch perfect cross to Alfredo Morelos.
A goal that doesn’t come if the Croatian international is too deep.
Picking the right players who are confident and on form will be a good start, however, in fairness, there seemed to be a buy-in from the players against Hibs – injuries and availability will play their part though.
As good as the win was on match day one when Real Betis were beaten, the loss to Aris Limassol was just as bad, if not worse.
Getting three points would put us back on track for the knockout stages and also give Philippe Clement the perfect start to his Rangers career.
The players have to trust what Clement is telling them to do and if a team with Brandon Barker can get a result against Porto, so to can this one against Sparta Prague.
