Rangers’ Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Queen’s Park was a bitter pill to swallow for manager Philippe Clement. The Light Blues fell 1-0 at a tense Ibrox, shattering the goodwill they had painstakingly built with their fans in recent weeks and months.
In a post-match interview with Premier Sports, Clement minced no words about his team’s disappointment, expressing his frustration at the unacceptable loss. “They are all down, and so they should be,” he said. “It’s unacceptable to lose this and they all know that. They built credit back over the last weeks and months with the fans but they lost everything of that credit. This is not acceptable to lose against Queen’s Park in the cup.”
The Rangers boss highlighted the lack of composure in crucial moments, particularly in the second half, where missed opportunities and a lack of calmness led to their downfall. Despite creating numerous chances and dominating possession, the team failed to capitalize on their momentum, ultimately paying the price with an early cup exit.
Dissecting the Frustration
Clement reflected on the match’s dynamics, noting a shift in tempo from a lackluster first half to a more aggressive second half. “The first half there was a low tempo but we had the chances to go in front, we dominate the game,” he explained. “In the second half, we raise our tempo. We created the most chances that we have this season with 30 chances. But there’s no goals, even a penalty not scoring.”
The frustration was palpable in Clement’s voice as he lamented the team’s inability to convert their opportunities into goals. “You get one shot on target [against you] and you concede the goal, so it’s a hold up. But in the end we should’ve scored more goals and it’s about that. We are out of the cup, so it’s a super frustrating evening.”
Looking Ahead with Confidence
Despite the setback, Clement remained resolute about his position and the team’s trajectory. When asked about potential job security concerns, he replied, “It’s happened in the past. We know it’s a rebuild. I’m focused on this game and the next game. I don’t think you can ask much more than to get 30 chances.”
The manager emphasized the importance of staying grounded and maintaining perspective amidst defeat. “It’s nothing to do with tactics or whatever, it’s about the quality of the moment. That’s what we missed today,” he noted. “Last week, everybody was saying that the team was taking great steps and growing, we get eighth position in the Europa League. It’s not because you lose a game where you normally win 99 times out of 100 that things change about the way things are working.”
In the face of adversity, Clement’s unwavering belief in the team’s collective effort and progress underscored his commitment to steering Rangers back on course. As the dust settled on their Scottish Cup exit, the manager’s resolve to bounce back stronger resonated with both players and fans alike.
As the echoes of defeat lingered in the air at Ibrox, Clement’s words served as a beacon of hope for a team grappling with disappointment and self-reflection. Amidst the shadows of loss, the light of resilience flickered, illuminating a path forward for Rangers and their devoted supporters.
