With Rangers perhaps having to look for yet another new manager just a year after the Belgian’s appointment, Philippe Clement is under increasing pressure.
The loss to Aberdeen puts the Light Blues far behind in the title chase; after just ten games, they are now nine points behind table-topping Celtic and Jimmy Thelin’s undefeated team at the top of the Scottish Premiership. In order to stay in the hot seat, the struggling manager must win the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Motherwell when he brings his team to Hampden this weekend.
But for some punters, time is already up for Clement after the nightmare start to the league campaign. The bookies have also started tipped potential successors – with many already discussing their chances of stepping into the Rangers dugout. Record Sport takes a look at what has already been said by Clement’s potential successor about the job.
Muscat Kevin
Kevin Muscat, the manager of Shanghai Port, is the favorite according to bookies to succeed Philippe Clement at Rangers after Michael Beale was fired. He is about to win the Chinese Super League for the second time in a row, but following unsuccessful negotiations with the team last year, ally Craig Moore has stated that a move to the Light Blues is now off the table.
After departing Yokohama for Shanghai, F. Marinos acknowledged that discussions had taken occurred in an interview with A-Leagues.com: Over the course of the season, I received two or three calls regarding specific clubs. I only actually talked to one person, and I avoided talking to the others since I was focused on attempting to win a championship. Then towards the last couple of games, this opportunity arose.”
McInnes, Derek
Derek McInnes, who persevered at Pittodrie when managing Aberdeen, declined the opportunity to lead Rangers. The boss, who is currently in charge of Kilmarnock, has been praised for his ability to accomplish goals on a reduced budget and has been dubbed the hot seat once more.
“I did have a long chat with the gaffer [in 2017],” the manager hinted to the Daily Mail earlier this year, hinting to a “story to tell” about declining the opportunity to follow Pedro Caixinha in the dugout. Listen, I have a story about that entire incident to share. Now is not the moment to do it.
“I received the impression that Walter wanted me to manage the Rangers, but he was also worried about me doing so. It was his recommendation, and he was involved at every stage, even though he left me with no question that it was my choice.
“The majority of my major decisions were influenced by the gaffer. And now that I think about it, I wish I had been more honest with him.
Gerrard Steven
The legendary player from Liverpool is the last to win a championship for Govan, although he has struggled since leaving Rangers. Before departing for Aston Villa, he led the team to an undefeated league season and their first championship in a decade in 2020–2021.
Following a lackluster start to the season for Al-Ettifaq, he was only on the Premier League hot seat for 11 months and is currently facing pressure in the Saudi Pro League. The Ibrox legend told Graeme Souness that a return might be in the cards if the bond with the supporters was given time to mend after he was fired at Villa Park.
“I saw Steven a couple of weeks ago in Portugal,” he said in a 2022 interview with talkSPORT. He appeared to be in excellent form, so I asked him if he wanted to return. He replied, “Give it some time, and I’ll return if something comes up that interests him,” returning to the game.
“I fail to see him going to Glasgow Rangers. Would the supporters be happy with him going back? I’m not sure. They think he left them at a difficult time, I’m not sure.”
Lampard Frank
After getting within touching distance of the Rangers hot seat earlier this season, Chelsea legend Frank Lampard acknowledged that he was looking for a way back into the bench. when being added to a shortlist of possible options, the former midfield maestro had discussions with Ibrox managers when Michael Beale was fired last October.
With Graeme Souness acknowledging that he would have wanted the England cap to land the position, the club would choose Clement. “Yeah, I’ve been enjoying being with the family, but I am looking to get back (into) at some point,” the former Everton manager stated in a March interview with talkSPORT.
“As I emphasize, I am loving [family life], but I am eager to return to work if something comes up that seems right for me. It’s good to enjoy spending more time with my kids, especially my younger ones, when you’re not working because it’s a demanding profession.”