Philippe Clement Discusses Rangers' Title Hopes and Rebuilding Phase

Rangers Manager Philippe Clement's Challenge in Scottish Premiership

Rangers manager Philippe Clement has expressed confidence in the potential of his squad as he undertakes a significant turnaround at the club. In a recent interview, Clement compared his "big rebuild" project at Rangers to what he described as Celtic's "small renovation." This comparison illustrates the scale of transformation that Clement believes is necessary to compete effectively in the Scottish Premiership.

New Signings Fuel Rangers' Ambitions

In his commitment to strengthen the team, Clement has made eight new signings during the summer transfer window. Among those who have joined the Ibrox club are:

• Vaclav Cerny
• Hamza Igamane
• Jefte
• Clinton Nsiala
• Liam Kelly
• Connor Barron
• Oscar Cortes (returned on loan with an obligation to buy)
• Mohamed Diomande (moving his loan to a permanent deal)

These additions are part of his strategy to halt Celtic's dominance, aiming to prevent them from winning their fourth consecutive league title, which would mark the twelfth in thirteen seasons.

Home Ground Challenges and Patient Rebuilding

Rangers will temporarily play their home games at Hampden Park due to construction delays at Ibrox, specifically concerning the Copland Road Stand. Clement stressed the importance of patience as they construct a solid foundation for future success. He explained, "We know of course theirs [Celtic's] is a small renovation with a few details and they can build on their core. We have a big rebuild. So let us first make a good foundation on this rebuild of our house and let us build our house in the next couple of weeks and months to make it much stronger." This highlights his long-term vision for the team's development.

Improving Squad Fitness after Injury Woes

Last season, Rangers faced numerous injuries to their key players. Clement assured fans that the team's fitness levels have improved significantly since his arrival. He indicated that while there are areas still needing attention, the absence of major injuries during pre-season training is a positive sign. Clement mentioned, "We've fixed things for sure, but not everything yet. You cannot do that in five weeks. That's impossible. But we've had a few minor muscle things but nothing major, so that's a big step forward." His focus remains on ensuring that the players are robust and ready for upcoming challenges.

Transfer Request from Todd Cantwell

In another notable development, midfielder Todd Cantwell has submitted a transfer request but remains part of the squad as he trains with the B team. Clement has been transparent about the situation, stating, "I kept the door open all these weeks because as long as a player is here and we believe in his qualities the door is always open." This reflects the manager’s commitment to keeping player morale high while still focusing on those fully dedicated to the team's goals.

Looking Ahead: Scottish Premiership 2024 Schedule

As the new season approaches, fans are eager to know when the summer transfer window opens and closes. For the 2024 summer transfer window, the opening date is now, with the window closing on August 30 at 11 pm UK time. Notably, both the Premier League and Scottish Premiership have aligned their deadline days with other major leagues in Europe, ensuring a cohesive transfer experience.

Fans should stay tuned for a range of games this season, as highlighted by coverage from Sky Sports. Viewers can look forward to dedicated weekly round-up shows and live matches across various channels, ensuring that they don't miss a moment of the action.

Engage with the Latest from Ranger's Journey

If you are a Rangers supporter or just a fan of Scottish football, now is the perfect time to engage with the latest developments and updates. With the new season on the horizon, keep an eye on upcoming matches and the performance of new signings. What are your thoughts on how Rangers will perform this season?