Rangers manager Philippe Clement had a lot to be pleased with as the Gers overcame Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.
With the Arabs unbeaten heading into the clash at Tannadice, the pressure was on the Rangers team to get back to winning ways after defeat to Celtic.
Tom Lawrence was the hero for Rangers on the day but the 1-0 win over Dundee United didn’t tell the whole story after what was an impressive Rangers performance in patches.
Philippe Clement could’ve waxed lyrical about the Welshman’s performance, the impressive cameo of Hamza Igamane or even with regards the raucous travelling support.
But instead there was one thing on the Belgian’s mind come the final whistle for which he could not hold back his unbridled joy.
Philippe Clement buzzing for Ibrox return
Philippe Clement has had more than a touch of homesickness all summer long at Rangers.
But not because he’s missing Belgium or Belgian football.
Rangers have had to navigate the chaotic mess that is the Copland Stand reconstruction after delays in the steel for the project forced the club to relocate to Hampden.
It’s an excruciating situation which has led to Clement’s new-look squad being unable to gel together in the dressing room and amongst the stands of the Gers’ fabled home Ibrox.
But all that is about to change.
Rangers will return to Ibrox for next weekend’s Premier Sports Cup clash against Dundee and it’s a crucial moment in the season that Philippe Clement has been waiting for.
“Aw, it’s amazing,” Clement told Sky Sports. “It feels like it’s ten years that we were there.
“It’s amazing to go back there and you see already today our fans made it almost a home game with their support.
“At Ibrox it’s ten times more.
“All the time, all the staff, everybody in the club is looking really forward to feel this energy out of Ibrox again.”
Rangers manager focused on his role at Ibrox
The job of Rangers manager Philippe Clement hasn’t been made any easier this summer by the situation at Ibrox.
Off the field the chaos also continues with the Gers’ hierarchy in a huge period of uncertainty.
The Gers are yet to replace CEO James Bisgrove, who has left for Saudi Arabia, whilst John Bennett stepped down this week due to health reasons.
The off-the-park instability also comes as Rangers are rebuilding their squad and Philippe Clement was asked about the situation come full time.
Whilst the Belgian paid tribute to the outgoing Gers chairman, Clement insists his job is just about making the Gers better.
“I think until now I’ve been the only one talking outside,” Clement told a post-match press conference. “So that doesn’t change too much. Maybe it will change next week. We will see.
“I’m not the guy who brings in the cash or the money into the club.
“My job is to get the best out of the players who are who are in the building and to look for new ones together with recruitment team and to make the right decisions with the budget we have.
“That’s my job to do and I will continue in that way.
“But I had also a lot of talks before with James and with John about strategic things for the future of the club and to make things better in the club, in everything, but also in Scottish football.
“So I think it will continue with the new people who step in.”
