Philippe Clement’s tenure at Rangers has undoubtedly been one of evolution and adaptation, particularly given the seismic task that he inherited when he arrived at Ibrox. The club, under previous management, found itself in a situation where expensive and underperforming contracts had been handed out to players who, for various reasons, were not contributing to the team’s long-term success. While Clement may not have been responsible for these decisions, it is under his stewardship that Rangers are now undergoing a transformation, both on and off the pitch. His comments after Rangers’ qualification for the Europa League last 16 are a testament to the belief he has in his vision for the club, as well as the deep understanding of the challenges he faces.

The sheer scale of the changes at Rangers is undeniable. Over the past summer, the club made a conscious effort to reset, reducing its wage bill by £6 million through the exit of 14 players. Some of these departures were inevitable given the club’s need to restructure, but others also signaled the club’s intent to take a different path moving forward. This wasn’t just a financial decision but a strategic one. Clement has placed a significant emphasis on youth, recognizing that the long-term success of the club will depend on fostering a strong, talented, and adaptable squad. However, with these changes also comes a natural sense of growing pains. For a club of Rangers’ stature, the immediate challenge lies in finding the right balance between youth and experience, while also navigating the pressures of competing for titles on multiple fronts, both domestically and internationally.

Clement’s leadership has been a breath of fresh air, injecting a sense of purpose and a clear vision for the club’s future. The Europa League qualification was a crucial moment for the Belgian manager, as it not only provided an important tangible achievement but also signaled that his methods are starting to bear fruit. Despite the club undergoing a period of transition, with several key players departing and younger faces stepping into starting roles, Rangers showed resilience and quality to progress in Europe. Players like Ross McCausland, Zak Lovelace, and Paul Nsio have been given opportunities to showcase their potential, and their performances in high-pressure situations have demonstrated that Clement’s belief in the youth is not misplaced.

It is also important to recognize that Clement’s approach is about much more than just tactics and match preparation; it’s about changing the culture within the club. His insistence on developing a deeper understanding of what it means to wear the Rangers shirt is vital to the club’s future success. This cultural shift is something that Clement has worked hard to instill in his players, ensuring that they not only play for the badge but also understand the responsibility that comes with representing one of the biggest clubs in Scotland. His comments about the evolving culture within the dressing room reflect his commitment to ensuring that Rangers players are not just talented but also mentally strong, disciplined, and focused on achieving long-term success.

However, while Clement has made significant strides, the reality is that the path to success is not a straightforward one. The gap between Rangers and Celtic remains significant, and while Rangers have improved, they are still playing catch-up in terms of consistency, squad depth, and experience. Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, have built a formidable team with a mix of youth and experience. They have a settled squad, a manager who understands the club’s ethos, and a winning mentality that has seen them dominate Scottish football in recent years. Their consistency has been a key factor in their continued success, and Rangers will have to significantly raise their level to challenge Celtic’s dominance.

Clement’s rebuilding job at Rangers is undoubtedly a long-term project. The positive results in Europe are a step in the right direction, but domestically, Rangers still have to prove that they can consistently challenge Celtic for the title. The departure of key players like Rabbi Matondo and Kieran Dowell in January is another sign that Clement is not afraid to make difficult decisions in order to bring about the changes he believes are necessary. However, this also highlights the challenges Rangers face in terms of squad depth and injury issues. The lack of a full-strength squad, coupled with the inexperience of some of the younger players, will likely be a factor in determining how far Rangers can push Celtic in the title race this season.

Rangers’ reliance on youth is both an asset and a potential risk. Players like Lovelace, McCausland, and Nsio have shown promise, but they are still developing, and the pressure to perform week in, week out can sometimes be overwhelming. Furthermore, the club’s financial constraints mean that they may not have the same resources as Celtic to make major signings in the transfer market. This puts more pressure on Clement to get the best out of the players at his disposal, while also keeping an eye on potential signings that could add quality and depth to the squad. As the season progresses, Clement will have to navigate the complexities of balancing youth development with the need for experienced players to maintain a competitive edge.

From a Celtic perspective, the pressure on Rangers is undoubtedly increasing, but the Hoops remain the dominant force in Scottish football. Brendan Rodgers has a squad that is capable of winning multiple titles, and the team’s consistency, coupled with their strong tactical foundations, makes them formidable opponents. While Rangers have made progress under Clement, Celtic’s squad stability and Rodgers’ tactical acumen will make it difficult for Rangers to usurp them in the immediate future. That said, if Clement is given the time and support to continue his rebuild, Rangers could be a more serious challenge in the coming seasons. His ability to get the best out of young players and bring in the right reinforcements will be key to narrowing the gap with Celtic.

In conclusion, while Clement’s work at Rangers is still in its early stages, there is a growing sense of optimism surrounding the club. His vision for the future, coupled with the progress the team is making, suggests that Rangers could become a much more competitive force in the seasons ahead. However, to truly challenge Celtic, Clement will need to ensure that his players maintain a high level of performance and consistency, while also navigating the challenges of squad depth and financial constraints. For now, Celtic remain the team to beat, but if Rangers can build on their current momentum, they could become a more formidable rival in the future. The real test will come in the coming seasons, as Clement looks to close the gap and potentially end Celtic’s domestic dominance. But whether he can do so remains to be seen.