Rangers boss Philippe Clement savaged by pundit amid new Ibrox reveal.

Andy Halliday has criticised Philippe Clement for his comments before of Rangers’ game against Celtic.

The Gers face their bitter rivals in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday, December 15, and Clement has downplayed his side’s chances, citing a financial gap between the two sides. This comes only days after the club had its AGM and expressed optimism about the coming months and years. Halliday told Clyde One Superscoreboard, as stated by the Daily Record (9 December), “I don’t agree with it, and I don’t like it. Especially when, five days prior to the AGM, you were talking about developing a winning mindset and expected to win each and every week. Then you listen to the post-match interview with Ross County, and he talks about a financial divide.

“One thing I’ve learned in football is if you give footballers any excuse, they’ll take it. So he’s already planted that little seed of doubt (in their heads). You’re telling them ‘You’re coming up against teams on Thursday and Sunday, they’ve got a lot more money than us.’ It wasn’t a comment I particularly liked.

“Managers will sometimes come out with this when it suits them. But when they come up against Celtic at the weekend, I don’t think they’re worlds apart financially, at least in terms of the wage bill.”

Philippe Clement says exactly what he should not be saying ahead of Rangers v Celtic

Clement’s remarks regarding the financial discrepancy between the two teams may unintentionally promote an inferiority attitude among his players, which is psychologically harmful. By stressing the financial disparity, the Belgian risks damaging the team’s morale and confidence. This type of public admission can serve as an excuse for the players, potentially causing them to concede loss before the game even begins. Mental fortitude is essential in high-pressure games such as the League Cup final. Clement’s remarks, particularly in light of bullish sentiments made at the AGM, may send contradictory signals, implying a lack of confidence in the team’s ability to compete on equal terms. This can plant seeds of uncertainty, impacting the players’ attitudes and performance.

Instead than focussing on external concerns such as finances, the emphasis should be on the team’s strengths, strategy, and squad togetherness, instilling a winning mindset rather than providing an excuse for future failure.

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