The summer of discontent is something of an understatement when it comes to Philippe Clement’s preparations with Rangers for the new season.
There has just been an official announcement on the Ibrox fiasco and confirmation where fans will watch their team but the squad has yet to see any departures that – for want of a better phrase – can be celebrated.
The manager has a huge task on his hands, not that he is letting the frustrations of the support filter down into what he is trying to achieve with Rangers.
Philippe Clement content despite Rangers transfer woes
Sam Lammers is still at the club at Auchenhowie as the senior squad returns from the Netherlands and Cyriel Dessers has pledged that he has no intentions of leaving either.
Two players who both did enough last season to attract bids so that the gaffer can bring his own players in and yet there is no sign of them departing any time soon.
The same goes for the likes of Kieran Dowell and Tom Lawrence, two players who spent more time in the treatment room than on the pitch although the latter is at least reported to have interest in him.
It is an issue not of Clement’s making.
He has though, attempted to rectify the injury curse by making changes behind the scenes.
Speaking after the friendly defeat to Ajax, Clement reminded fans that, when it comes to rebuilding the squad, it isn’t as simple as many would imagine:
“Everybody who is here is part of my plans. It is like that. Otherwise they would not be here.
“That is the thing with fans, I think it changed with having the PlayStation or Football Manager and you can say ‘this player I don’t like he needs to be out’.
“It doesn’t work that way. These guys have contracts. I don’t speak now about Connor and Tav, it is just in general, all over the world it doesn’t work that way.
“You always need to be with two parties. Every player falls into that category. Only Jack. If somebody comes with £30million or £40million you can replace him for that money.
“Every player falls into that category. We need money to replace him. If it is a good amount you can replace him and do something else. We will see.”
Why Clement has the right to be calm
Philippe Clement proved last season that he can – almost – work miracles.
He guided Rangers to silverware and topped a Europa League group with La Liga opposition whilst missing almost a full team’s worth of players.
But for injuries to Oscar Cortes, Abdallah Sima, Todd Cantwell and Danilo, the story in the Scottish Premiership title race might have been entirely different.
That Clement got Rangers back into it at all is nothing short of incredible given the state that they were in when Michael Beale was sacked.
In the worst case scenario, no players leave this summer.
The importance of keeping the best players fit becomes even more important.
The reality, is that there are probably 10 players or more that the Gers boss would want to move on to free up cash, as he says though, it just isn’t as simple as that.
This could be a transfer window that goes right to the final day, buckle up, things could be about to get bumpy.
