Philippe Clement makes a public request for support as Gers target the Dutch coaching tandem.

Philippe Clement makes a public request for support as Gers target the Dutch coaching tandem.

Philippe Clement has not been bashful about discussing the adjustments that are needed at Rangers this summer. Given the circumstances surrounding his appointment, the Rangers manager has done just enough to earn the support of the Ibrox faithful for next season.
A League Cup winner’s medal and a sterling run in to the summit of the Scottish Premiership, along with qualification for the Europa League last 16, is enough to keep fans on side.

But a failure to defeat Celtic across four games, and a collapse in the title race which saw Rangers drop points in six of their final ten matches, has heaped the pressure on big time.

With Rangers and Celtic now also level on major trophies, legacy is very much on the line next season.
Philippe Clement’s head will rest this summer, and there will be no space for sentiment as the Belgian sets his sights on the transfer market. Rangers will attempt to’rebuild’ under Clement in the coming weeks, but the gaffer has been clear that it’s not just the foundations of the playing staff that need to be reinforced.

Clement wants to make Rangers personnel “better.” Rangers boss Clement intimated ahead of the Scottish Premiership match with Hearts that changes in his backroom staff were on the way. The manager mentioned the need for improved ‘delegation’, and now, speaking after the match against Celtic at Hampden, the Rangers manager has once again, without invitation, brought up the backroom staff. Much of this is concerned with the injury situation at Ibrox, which has been decimated by a series of medical difficulties over the last two years.

I know the squad is not at their best now,” said Clement. “Some players are coming out of injury

“And you witness it in these pivotal moments. A truly fit Sima and Matondo will undoubtedly finish off one of those chances. “This was not the case. “I believe the entire group has expended all of their energy over the last few weeks. “Now it’s about rebuilding the squad and improving the personnel all around the team. “We can’t have 10 or twelve injuries at the same time next season.

“So that’s a crucial one. In those moments you need to bring in fresh players who can make the difference and in that way it was difficult (v Celtic).”

Dutch coaching duo target by Rangers
Clement’s comments come as Rangers have been linked with a move for Dutch coach Andries Ulderink.

Ulderink has announced his departure from Belgian side Royal Antwerp, where the 54-year-old was working with legendary ex-Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel.

According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Ulderink is set to become Clement’s ‘first assistant’ amid links to the NAC Breda job in the Netherlands.

The Dutch manager has an extensive C.V working with teams from across the Netherlands, including time as head coach of Go Ahead Eagles, de Graafschap and Jong Ajax.

Also taking charge of Ajax Cape Town for two seasons, it is said that Ulderink has ‘impressed’ during his time working in Belgium.

Interestingly, the report claims that Philippe Clement has also targeted John Stegeman as the Rangers manager hunts for a video analyst.

However Dutch coach Stegeman is not expected to make the move to the Rangers Training Centre.

Philippe Clement has so far hired only former Belgian international Stephan van der Heyden to work in the Rangers’ backroom. Rangers also retained Alex Rae following Steven Davis’ interim appointment, with the Scotsman’s job expected to be reviewed at the end of the season.

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