Philippe Clement ‘facing Rangers sack if they lose to Celtic’
Philippe Clement could be sacked as Rangers manager if his side suffers a defeat against Celtic in Sunday’s Scottish League Cup final.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who remains well-connected within the game, explained that the boss will face immediate pressure after the arrival of new CEO Patrick Stewart.
This is despite a recent turnaround in form in Rangers’ last five games, starting with a 4-1 win against Nice and culminating in a fantastic performance in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham.
Regardless of their recent displays, however, Robinson has insisted that the Ibrox club will always be judged based on their performances against Celtic.
It has been said that a win for the Hoops in the final would boost them to qualify for the latter stages of the Champions League, which would allow them pull even further away financially.
In the SPFL, meanwhile, Celtic remains 11 points clear of Gers and nine clear of Aberdeen, who have played one more game than both Glasgow sides.
Now, Rangers have been urged to capitalise on Aberdeen’s recent dip in form to reclaim second-place and apply pressure to their rivals’ title efforts.
Rangers backed to sack Philippe Clement after Celtic clash
Clement had come under extensive sack pressure earlier in the season after a number of inconsistent results, but a change of formation and tactics have seen his side’s form revived.
Robinson, however, insisted that if Rangers fail to capitalise on their recent upturn in form with a win in the cup final, the boss could finally be dismissed given his shocking record in Old Firm clashes.
“Patrick Stewart starts on the 16th, the cup final is on the 15th, that’s potentially his first job [to sack Clement],” he told Football Insider.
“Rangers’ European form is what has kept him in the job so far.
“There’s a lot going on off the field at Rangers, but they’re always compared to Celtic and how they get on against Celtic is always how they’re judged.
“Aberdeen are now falling away and Rangers need to take the opportunity to step in.
“It’s looking all to easy for Celtic this year. If they beat Rangers in the League Cup final, they could qualify into the latter stages of the Champions League and the points difference in the league could be insurmountable by the end of January.
“It’s a big time for Rangers, they’ve got to close the gap to Celtic and a League Cup win would be absolutely massive for them.
“The financial situation may play a part in Clement’s future, whether sacking him and paying him off at this stage is a viable option for them.
“A win against Celtic changes it all, but I think he’s bang under pressure and facing the sack, especially if they don’t win.”
In other news, Joe Gelhardt is keen to sign for Rangers in January.
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