Rangers manager Philippe Clement finds himself under increasing pressure following the club’s stuttering start to the season.
Defeat to Kilmarnock and a shambolic failure to capitalise on both Celtic and Aberdeen dropping points has heaped scrutiny on the club, squad and management.
And with November’s international break still some ways away, here are the six matches that Philippe Clement has to save his reputation with the Rangers support, and potentially his job.
Rangers v FCSB, Europa League (24/10/24)
A massive game for a number of reasons and yet Rangers feel like they’re in a no-win scenario.
Rangers are expected to defeat FCSB in the Europa League clash at Ibrox and will almost certainly have to if the club harbours any ambitions of progression to the knockout stages.
After defeat to Kilmarnock, the Rangers team are also expected to bounce back with anything but three points unlikely to lift the stink around Ibrox.
Even a win might fail to galvanise supporters, who’re increasingly disconnected with the team.
Rangers v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership (27/10/24)
If Rangers are to slip any further behind in the Scottish Premiership, Ibrox fans are clever enough to know the title is slipping away from them.
Kris Boyd believes there is ‘no chance’ Rangers can catch Celtic this season and a failure to overcome St Mirren will simply reinforce this suggestion.
It is unacceptable for any Rangers manager to fail to beat St Mirren at home and calls for Philippe Clement to get sacked will only get louder if that’s how this pans out.
Aberdeen v Rangers, Scottish Premiership (30/10/24)
A quite monumental game for Rangers at this early juncture of the season and one not a single bluenose is looking forward to.
This October/November trip to face Aberdeen midweek is usually one of the most entertaining games in the Scottish Premiership card every season.
With the Dons flying, and an inexperienced Rangers apparently incapable of matching Kilmarnock’s intensity, we are all fearing the worst.
A Rugby Park-esque performance at Pittodrie will likely see Clement get the boot, or at least see the last of any fans onside with the Belgian turn off.
Motherwell v Rangers, Premier Sports Cup (03/11/24)
As if the clash against Aberdeen wasn’t gargantuan enough, Philippe Clement is taking his team to Hampden once again to face Motherwell.
Rangers have a chance to reach the Premier Sports Cup Final with the clash in Glasgow’s Mount Florida and anything but a place at the Hampden showpiece will spell disaster for Clement.
Rangers are the current holders of the competition and the Belgian manager’s Ibrox reputation could rest on retaining the trophy this season.
Olympiakos v Rangers, Europa League (07/11/24)
Another Europa League tie for Rangers which is in the balance, this is one where expectations are slightly lower.
But depending on how things go against Romanian outfit FCSB, this trip to Greece to face Olympiakos could also prove crucial in deciding Rangers’ Europa League fate.
After a big win away to Malmo, Rangers might fancy their chances against Olympiakos in Greece.
But should the Gers get a scolding, and Clement’s side have been unconvincing in the run-up, then the axe might well swing.
Rangers v Hearts, Scottish Premiership (10/11/24)
Hearts have already sacked the manager they started the campaign with, with Neil Critchley coming in to replace Steven Naismith.
Rangers will be expected to take full points against the Jambos at Ibrox but with the club rejuvenated by Critchley’s appointment, it will be no mean feat.
Every point is a prisoner for Rangers going forward this season and any more dropped points, especially those at Ibrox, will put Clement under immense pressure.
