Philippe Clement never says anything without meaning it and his criticism of the European squad that he inherited at Rangers is pretty unambiguous.
The Gers boss shoots from the hip and, after bringing in three new players, had a tough decision to make over his squad selection for the Europa League.
One of the biggest issues, in practically his first week as manager, was the lack of a left-back to face Sparta Prague but Philippe Clement has another alternative for Rangers now should we see a repeat of that crisis.
How Philippe Clement can solve Rangers defensive cover issue
Ridvan Yilmaz was omitted by Michael Beale with Adam Devine and Dujon Sterling presumably the players that he would have chosen to cover Borna Barisic.
Clement, instead, when the Croatian was injured, opted for a change of shape that saw a more than respectable result against the odds.
Speaking as part of the pre-match build up for today’s visit of Livingston, it is still an issue that he isn’t happy with:
“I was not totally aligned with how the European list was at the beginning of the season but it was what it was and I can only make three changes now.
“So the reality is a few players I wanted on the list cannot be on the list.”
With Danilo, Abdallah Sima and Kemar Roofe out long term, you would expect the three allowed changes to involve bringing new signings Mohamed Diomande, Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes in.
But, because Michael Beale omitted Ridvan Yilmaz and Adam Devine is now out on loan, Clement has had to include him this time around.
The other issue is at centre-half with Ben Davies being injured, however, Leon Balogun can’t come into the squad despite being one of the manager’s most used players.
Which leaves just Connor Goldson and John Souttar as the fit, senior options backed up by Leon King.
Unless….
The squad that Clement inherited didn’t include academy prospect Johnly Yfeko.
The giant defender has played at left-back and left centre-back throughout his time at the club and is clearly one for the future.
On January 31st, it marked two years since he signed which means that the 20-year old is now eligible for the B list and can be included in match day squads.
You can’t help but feel sorry for both Oscar Cortes and Leon Balogun though, both of whom would be guaranteed to be in most match-day squads in Europe.
Philippe Clement gives the impression of a manager who won’t make the same mistakes.
