Super Eagles stars Cyriel Dessers and Leon Balogun will get a new boss after Rangers decided to end Philippe Clement’s reign
Rangers have officially parted ways with manager Philippe Clement following a disastrous 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren, leaving the club 13 points behind arch-rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership standings.
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The Belgian coach, who took charge in October 2023, failed to meet expectations despite some promising performances in European competitions.
Clement shown the exit as Rangers struggle
Clement’s dismissal comes after mounting pressure from fans and pundits, with many questioning his ability to lead the club to domestic success.
Rangers manager Phillipe Clement | Imago
His record of 55 wins, 18 draws, and 16 losses may seem respectable, but failing to challenge Celtic for the league title and losing the League Cup final on penalties were critical setbacks.
The Rangers hierarchy had initially backed Clement, citing the team’s progression to the Europa League last 16 as a sign of promise. However, a shocking Scottish Cup exit to second-tier Queen’s Park and the most recent loss to St Mirren proved to be the final straw.
Cyriel Dessers celebrates latest goal for Rangers.
Following the defeat, Clement acknowledged the team’s struggles and took responsibility for their poor performance saying, “I can only say sorry and apologise [to the Rangers fans] from me and the team. This is not what Rangers teams need to show on the pitch.”
Dessers and Balogun set for a new boss
The managerial change will directly impact Super Eagles duo Cyriel Dessers and Leon Balogun, both of whom have had mixed fortunes under Clement.
Cyriel Dessers and Leon Balogun are the Nigerians at Rangers. (Photo Credit: Rangers/X)
Dessers, who started the year in fine form after initially being benched, has failed to score in his last four games, further frustrating Rangers fans.
The Nigerian striker was particularly disappointed after the St Mirren loss, expressing his frustration, saying, “It was a really difficult afternoon, it was a tough loss, especially as it was at home.”
Balogun scored one and assisted Cyriel Dessers for the third.
Balogun, meanwhile, has struggled with consistency and injuries, leaving his future at the club uncertain. The 35-year-old defender will now have to impress a new manager to secure his spot in the team.
Rangers are already exploring potential replacements for Clement, with former boss Steven Gerrard emerging as a top contender.
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