Rangers boss Philippe Clement hailed the performances of Ben Davies and Abdallah Sima during Thursday’s hard-fought 0-0 UEFA Europa League draw away to Sparta Prague.
As the hosts racked up the chances and reached double figures for shots on goal before Rangers even mustered an attempt in anger, it looked for all the world that Philippe Clement was heading towards his first defeat since replacing Mick Beale in the dugout.
Sparta Prague dominated the first-half. Only an(other) inspired Jack Butland performance denying the Czech outfit a comfortable lead at the interval.
It is to Rangers’ credit, then, that this threatened to become a classic ‘game of two halves’ after the teams returned for the second ‘45. By full time, the Gers were the width of a post away from a dramatic Danilo winner at one end, while standing strong at the other, showcasing the sort of togetherness and resilience that became conspicuous by it’s absence under Beale.
Rangers earn Sparta Prague point
“That’s now two clean sheets in a row (under me),” Clement tells Rangers Review. “And, if you do that, you will take a lot of points from the season. But I don’t want a team that only plays for clean sheets and only defends. I want a team that plays good football and creates chances.”
The former Club Brugge and Monaco coach was impressed with the way Ben Davies slotted into a new-look back-three system, while also hailing Abdallah Sima; Rangers’ in-form forward curbing his attacking instincts while remaining disciplined and determined at wing-back.
Abdallah Sima shines in new role
“I was very pleased with Ben,” Clement adds. “I want everyone available for the team. And those who have come in during training, they will get their chances in the next (few) weeks.
“When you see the circumstances, I am really happy with Ben. But also Sima who is not used to playing a wing-back role. He did a great job defensively. That’s what I want to see. A team that fights for each other until the end.”
