As far as Philippe Clement is concerned, Rangers’ 2-1 defeat at Aberdeen proves that this is a club at the beginning – rather than the end – of a substantial overhaul.
Keen to defend his charges following what was a highly-disappointing display away to one of the Scottish Premiership pacesetters, Clement did not exactly absolve his Rangers squad from blame as much defend their efforts in the face of an irate anbase heading back to Glasgow having expected a whole lot more.
A stunning solo effort from deadline day arrival Nedim Bajrami counted for nothing in the end.
The Albanian’s fine shimmy and strike sandwiched two back-post finishes from Nicky Devlin and Shayden Morris as Jimmy Thelin’s remarkable Aberdeen outfit secured a ninth win out of ten in the top-flight.
This was a game which, pre-match, had been described as a must-win for Rangers.
The eventual defeat, then, leaves Philippe Clement’s team nine points adrift of not only The Dons but also Old Firm neighbours Celtic.
But with the roster very much in transition following a summer of considerable incomings and outgoings, the suddenly under-pressure Rangers manager was keen to keep a glass-half full approach following one of the most devastating defeats of his Ibrox tenure.
Philippe Clement saying positive as Rangers lose to Aberdeen
“It’s the situation, what it is now. We [have] lost too many points along the way,” Clement sighs. “There is only one way to go forward, and that’s working hard and becoming better with the squad.
“There’s been a big rebuild. Sixteen players out, a lot of experience out of the building, a lot of new players in, a lot of cutting down the wages, the wage bill. So there’s a big project to be done and there is the necessary time for that to make this better and to get this experience for these young boys.”
Clement felt that four of his charges deserved credit for their performances on a night of few positives.
The Rangers boss backed Connor Barron to silence the boo boys on his return to Pittodrie earlier in the week. And while the Aberdeen academy graduate did not quite manage that, this was a display of trademark finesse and ferocity from Barron.
Clement was also pleased to see the versatile Neraysho Kasanwirjo hold his own at left-back – Gers icon Barry Ferguson had wanted to see the Feyenoord loanee start in the centre – while Dujon Sterling made a big impression off the bench.
Nicolas Raskin has rediscovered some semblance of his best form in Rangers blue as well, meanwhile. And while he finished behind midfield partner Barron in the ball-winning statistics on the night – managing five successful tackles to the Scot’s six – this was still another big step in the right direction for a revitalised Raskin.
Clement praises four Rangers players despite Pittodrie reverse
“If I see Conor Barron playing today, he makes really good steps last couple of months,” Clement argues. “If I see Kasanwirjo play today, he makes really good steps this month.
“If I see the way that Dujon Sterling came in after his injury of the last couple of months, I see a lot of positives also. I can speak about Nico Raskin also today and about several players.
“But, at the end, it’s about the result. Yes, so we’re going to work really hard to make them better again on Sunday [in the cup against Motherwell] and the next week and the next game and the next game and then good times will come back for the Rangers fans.”
Rangers will have to wait until November 10th for a return to league action now with the Scottish League Cup and the Europa League first up.
