Rangers win, but Clement is outspoken after Premier Sports Cup defeat

Rangers booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup, but the road to their 2-0 win over St Johnstone was anything but smooth. The team went into the game at Hampden expecting to qualify safely, but ended up delivering a match marked by difficulties and criticism from coach Philippe Clement. The scoreline, which could have been higher, concealed a series of errors that the coach was quick to point out. “We deserved to qualify, but we should have scored more goals,” said Clement, expressing his frustration at his team's lack of efficiency.

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From the opening whistle, Rangers tried to impose themselves. Jefte and Rabino Matondo tried to open the way to the opponent's goal from the left early on, but the ball persistently failed to find the net. Rae, the St Johnstone goalkeeper, looked inspired, saving the Light Blues' attempts and keeping the score level until the second half. The first half was a real test of patience for Rangers, with missed chances that could have defined the game even before the break. However, soccer, as we well know, is unforgiving of those who don't take their chances.

Robin Propper's injury before the break cast a shadow over the match, but also a certain omen that the second half would bring changes. Clement, in a move that has now become his trademark, withdrew Danilo and brought Cyriel Dessers onto the pitch. “He's a player who's made a really big step up in the last seven months together,” said Clement, referring to Dessers, who has been increasingly decisive.

The insistence finally paid off in the 58th minute, when Matondo found Dessers, who, with the coolness of a born goalscorer, sent the ball into the back of the net. The VAR tried to take the shine off the moment, but after a review, the goal was validated to the relief of the fans. It was an explosion of emotion, a cry stuck in the throat that finally broke free.

But the relief was only temporary. Rangers continued to waste chances and St Johnstone, although limited, didn't give in. “We knew that St Johnstone were waiting for those few moments to be lethal,” commented Clement. And that's exactly what happened. With the pressure mounting, Rangers almost paid the price for their lack of aim. Sidibeh had the chance to equalize, but Butland, safe as ever, prevented the worst.

It wasn't until extra time that Rangers were able to breathe a sigh of relief when Ross McCausland sealed the win with a second goal. The youngster, who had come on in place of Cerny, took the opportunity to show his worth. “It was important to score the second and Ross did it in a very good way,” acknowledged Clement, who knows how much this win means to the team. But the Belgian, who has never been one to hide his opinions, made it clear that the performance wasn't ideal. “Scoring four or five goals was possible today,” he said, pointing to the inefficiency that, if not corrected, could prove costly in the following stages.

For Rangers, qualification is an important step towards defending their title, but also a warning sign. The team, which dreams of lifting the trophy again, needs to find its best form. Clement, with his usual frankness, made it clear that the team still has a long way to go. “It's a team effort, but it's important for the team that we qualify, score goals and don't concede,” he said, already looking ahead to the next challenges. And with the mentality that has brought success to his career, Clement knows that today's victory is just the start of a journey that will require much more.

The fans, who supported the team from the first second to the last, expect Rangers' performance to improve. And Clement knows that he will have to work hard for the team to reach its full potential. The next phase is approaching, and Rangers will have to be prepared to face even more challenging opponents.

For Clement, today's win was a step in the right direction, but he knows that the real test is yet to come. As he himself said: “We're going to work on repeating these things. Our attacking movements, our runs without the ball, the passes, the running lines and to be more efficient.” If they can deliver on that promise, Rangers will have a good chance of moving on in the competition.