Philippe Clement met the media yesterday ahead of Rangers’ Europa League match with FCSB tonight.
But clearly there was always going to be more on the agenda than just the Ibrox clash. After defeat to Kilmarnock at the weekend, supporters and press have plenty of questions.
Fans are beginning to turn on Clement a year into his reign, which is around a similar amount of time predecessor Michael Beale was afforded.
One of the biggest things being levelled at the manager is criticism of the style of play, with many feeling the Gers team are boring to watch.
Clement spiky response to Rangers style of play question
Fan media Four Lads Had a Dream had the opportunity in the presser to ask the question on the lips of many, and they took it.
When asked about accusations of playing too many long balls and too many sideways passes, Clement didn’t seem to take kindly to it.
He accused the detractors of being contradictory with the use those two statements in tandem with each other.
The Belgian said: “Two totally opposite things that you say. What you say is that it is too many long balls, or is it too many sideways passes?
When it was pointed out by Four Lads Had a Dream that both things can be true, he went on: “It’s about creating not enough chances. I agree with that in the Kilmarnock game, it was the case. in other games we created more chances. Not in all the games until now.”
Rangers fans react to Clement
If the manager didn’t take kindly to the line of questioning, then supporters have had a similar response to his answer.
The general consensus is one of agreement with the question and Four Lads have been praised for the way it was put across.
They feel it is Clement who didn’t paint himself in a good light by deflecting away from the issue.
One fan wrote on social media: “We all have eyes so we know @fourladshadadream’s assertion in the truth. Clement’s reaction and attempted deflection is embarrassing. Another red flag after the good old days of optimism and ‘no more lateral passes.'”
Another said: “That is not an answer. Once again he’s put it down to players not being used to each other. I love how defensive he got when told about backwards passing and long balls. It’s like he’s not watched the games because that couldn’t be any more accurate. I’m well past worried.”
“Good question,” insisted another. “He doesn’t have a style of play. That’s why he’s not answered it well. His new players have made the team worse, that’s why he’s playing the need time card.”
And another added: “Never once heard him answer a question about his style with any sort of confidence. Mostly because he doesn’t have one to talk about.”
However, not everyone was of the same mind and there was some defence of the boss.
One said: “It is a fair answer from the manager for me. The truth is that the players are simply not good enough and not one of the new recruits has pass marks as yet. The quality is really poor.”
And another added: “The manager is not wrong. Too many long balls or too many sideways passes, which is it? The problem is the lack of creativity/goal threat, added to the fact we always look like losing a cheap goal or two. A lot more of that is down to quality of player.”
