Rangers’ Rabbi Matondo says Philippe Clement pep talk has set him up for rest of season

Rabbi Matondo believes a Philippe Clement pep talk during Rangers’ training camp in Spain has set him

up for the second part of the season.

The Light Blues team’s January winter vacation officially ends on Saturday when they play Dumbarton i

player. The team spent a week in La Manga.

Matondo, who signed a four-year contract with the Govan club from Schalke in 2022, scored the first

goal in Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw with FC Copenhagen at Ibrox. He also spoke about the advantages of

the training camp for all of the players, not just himself.

“Obviously one of them was being consistent with my shooting and position and things like that but

overall we had a positive chat to help me, to improve on certain aspects of my game, for the second half

of the season and in my career.

“We got a lot working hard in Spain and all of us needed it, even the ones who had been playing a lot.

“It was good, not for just working hard but also team bonding and being around each other on a regular

basis even though we are anyway.

“Obviously, the manager was and is still trying to get the best out of us in terms of fitness, and we have a

lot of games and trophies to compete for.

“Well, it will undoubtedly be significant over the coming days, weeks, and months.”

Matondo thinks there is a short-term opportunity for him and others to take advantage of Abdallah

Sima’s absence from the Asian Cup.

Sima, who is now playing for Senegal on international duty, has been a revelation since joining on loan

from Brighton in the summer, scoring 15 goals.

Asked if it was an opportunity to make an impact, Matondo said: “Not just for myself but for everyone in

and around the position that we all play.

“Abdallah has done unbelievably well and obviously I wish him all the best at the AFCON but for all of

us, it is an opportunity to try to give our all and help the team, most importantly.

“Obviously my aim is to give my all individually and best for the team and hopefully that is enough for t

he team and the manager.

“At a team like Rangers, there is always going to be competition, so it is not a problem,” he continued.

“You simply need to keep grafting away and have faith in yourself.”