Philippe Clement’s rotation policy drew few frustrated social media posts in midweek with Rangers fans not too happy about the inclusion of Borna Barisic.
The Gers boss will always make changes though and he has explained why, the squad isn’t big enough in terms of fit players and expecting the same ones to all play every three or four days just isn’t possible.
Cyriel Dessers was on pre-match press conference duties and the striker has given a fascinating insight into how Philippe Clement prepares his team mentally in a Rangers team that has seen a seismic mentality shift.
Philippe Clement keeps Rangers stars on their toes
It makes perfect sense.
Dessers and Fabio Silva are sharing the minutes so that neither get burnt out and that they can stay sharp.
Sometimes, as we saw against Kilmarnock, Clement picks the wrong horse for the course but he isn’t shy to change things:
He took responsibility for his mistake and made the difference.
Speaking ahead of the league clash at Ibrox, Dessers hinted that the manager likes to leave his players on their toes.
“You don’t know if you will play so it is important you are ready for every game, the gaffer drills this into everyone to be ready to impact the game like Ridvan and Dujon midweek.
“You have to be ready. You cannot win the league with 11 players you need all the squad.”
It’s the latest example of the inner workings of Philippe Clement’s brain and how he prepares his Rangers players for matches.
You can tell by the way that we have been playing that they are all keen to impress and get more minutes.
The intensity never drops and the energy from every player is the same, nobody is getting carried.
Dessers is right, you need the whole squad to win the league and, so far, every player is playing their part as Clement pulls the strings.
