Philippe Clement probably hasn’t been able to play what he would consider to be his best starting XI for Rangers yet.
The manager assembled a younger – and cheaper – squad in the summer with the hope that the innocence and fearlessness of youth can help to bring silverware back to Ibrox.
The season started slowly, however, there are signs of improvement, and they are based on Clement being consistent and Rangers building something that hasn’t been seen since the last title win – partnerships across the park.
- READ MORE: Rangers Europa League Squad 2024/25
Rangers building strong foundations for success
In the Europa League, the draw has thrown up a fixture list that wouldn’t look out of place in the Champions League.
What this means is that the Gers boss perhaps can’t be as aggressive with his tactics as he would normally like.
It also requires a higher level of organisation, especially out of possession.
Against Malmo, John Souttar and Robin Propper were outstanding, as were Connor Barron and Mohamed Diomande with Clement praying that the latter will recover from injury in time.
After beating Hibs, Clement was glad to see things starting to come together:
“The partnership between Robin and John is getting better and better that they get to know each other better in the reactions and what to do in what situations. Nana (Neraysho Kasanwirjo)came also in in a really good way.
“He played also a good game in the weekend. Tav (James Tavernier) was here of course. Jack (Butland) was here of course last season but they need to make also the partnership with the other players on the pitch.
“And with Baz (Connor Barron) it’s the same. He’s new and it’s the first time that he plays so many minutes every three days.
“So, he was also less fresh today for me. But they all keep the structure. They keep doing the things how we want to see it, how we want to defend in our principles and that’s important to keep your structure all game.
“So, in that way we didn’t give away chances by being out of structure.”
Malmo repeat could put Rangers in great position to progress
Clement has clearly been addressing some of the early season issues and, in particular, what happened at Parkhead where Rangers had a soft centre.
There are new partnerships throughout the team, but the Malmo display was a perfect example of how far they have come with Butland a virtual observer against the runaway league leaders in Sweden.
Lyon will be another step up, however, Clement now knows who he can trust with the players understanding their roles more than they did previously.
The pairings in midfield and defence will have to be at their best if Rangers are to get anything from this game.
If they get it right again, two from two would be the perfect way to start a group that couldn’t be much harder.
