The one consistent message coming out of Rangers since Philippe Clement took over is that the standards being demanded have gone through the roof.
The Gers boss has simplified his message to the squad and is demanding an intensity that has been missing for some time, but it was there for all to see at Ibrox.
Rangers did little wrong against Hearts and still Philippe Clement wasn’t happy, compare this to Brendan Rodgers’ remarks after scraping past Motherwell and the difference couldn’t be more stark.
Rangers heading in right direction under Philippe Clement
After a near faultless display, you could have forgiven Clement for waxing lyrical about his team.
He knows that nothing has been won yet though and that there are much tougher tests ahead and obstacles still to overcome.
As soon as the final whistle went, you just know that he was thinking about nothing else other than his preparation for Kilmarnock away on Wednesday night.
Across the city, things couldn’t be more different with Rodgers looking to point fingers at anyone who will listen, including complaining about a narrative that is being set by his own support.
Take what Philippe Clement said about Rangers hammering of Hearts when asked if he was happy with what he saw:
“Not everything. But it has been one of the best until now, I think. If I want everything, I want to have less shots against on target in the second half.”
And compare it to Rodgers comments after seeing his team win in injury time because the opposition forgot the basics of defending:
“The players were magnificent second half, I’ve got to say, under the pressure of being behind. They dealt with it really well.”
Fans, pundits and players aren’t blind.
Rangers were immense but their manager wants them to go up another level, Celtic struggled and they were hailed as “magnificent”.
Rodgers is fooling nobody.
Clement has been rotating his team but there has never been any change in formation or style of play.
Every player knows their job.
Again, compare this to Celtic, who have been changing shape and personnel hoping that something sticks.
There is a long way to go but Clement setting the bar significantly higher for his team is nothing other than a positive as he looks to pull off what would be one of the most remarkable title wins in modern history.
