Philippe Clement described Rangers’ performance in the 2-0 defeat by St Mirren at Ibrox as “by far the worst” in his time at the club.
Gers fans went to Ibrox boosted by news this week of a potential multi-million pound takeover of the club by a USA-led consortium but they were stunned by a well-organised Buddies side.
St Mirren deservedly won through second-half goals from striker Mikael Mandron and substitute Toyosi Olusanya, which handed the Paisley side their first win Govan since November, 1991.
Clement is under pressure again as Rangers remain 13 points behind William Hill Premiership leaders Celtic and on the way to a trophy-less season domestically although they have a Europa League last-16 tie against Fenerbahce to come in March.
It was a second successive home defeat for the Belgian boss following the humiliating Scottish Gas Scottish Cup loss to Championship side Queen’s Park and Clement, who joined the Light Blues in October, 2023, watched many disgruntled supporters depart before the final whistle.
He said: “I understand. We were by far the worst I’ve seen in all the time I’ve been here.
“I understand fans don’t want to see that level. It’s about standing up as a team and showing more qualify.
“It’s about finding out where this nervousness came from.
“It’s terribly disappointing, because we were so nervous, on the ball, in the duels, in everything.
“I don’t know where it’s coming from. That’s my frustration and it’s also my responsibility to put a team on the pitch with the right mindset.
“I didn’t see this one coming, this nervousness, everyone below par, almost all game.
“There were a few better spells but by far we were not what Rangers should be.”
Clement admits his side lacked leadership against the determined Paisley side.
He said: “I saw the team drifting apart in islands.
“That’s not been the case in the past, when we’ve had difficult moments and went behind, but reacted as a team.
“Today it was reacting one on one and not as a team. Then we don’t play the football we need to play and it’s a bad performance
“Leadership is an important one, but leadership is also a collective one. In the first place it’s my responsibility.”
Stephen Robinson celebrated his third anniversary in charge of the Buddies with a landmark victory for the club and the second win over the Gers this season after a 2-1 victory over the Light Blues in Paisley on Boxing Day.
The Northern Irishman said: “We have raised expectations at this football club and it’s not because we have massive resources or an injection of cash. It is because of the squad of players. They deserve all the credit for the performance.
“The big thing is we did not feel under pressure. We come to these places and a lot of times you don’t have ownership of the game.
“We felt we were in control of the game and when we landed on the ball we were brave and created lots of half chances and perhaps could have had a couple more.
“We press aggressively every week. The players are the ones who have to do that. You can have all the tactical ideas, but they ran over Rangers at times.
“Their pressing and quality was a joy to watch at times.
“When you see a group who don’t get paid millions of pounds but just try and win every game that they play.
“You can’t do that at St Mirren, you have bad times, but I give them all the credit I can.”
Jack Grealish Man CityPep Guardiola has left Jack Grealish out of Man City's squad for their final day tilt against Fulham, fuelling speculation over the winger's future. Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?Grealish is scheduled for talks with the club this summer, but his omission from their crucial trip to Craven Cottage is the latest sign his future likely li...
Manchester United v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fifth RoundVictor Lindelof's time at Manchester United is drawing to a close as the Swedish international will leave once his contract expires.WHAT HAPPENED?Fabrizio Romano has reported that a final decision was made following a meeting this week between the club’s hierarchy and the player, marking the end of an eight-year stint at Old Trafford. D...
🔊 Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season? Their chances look promising, especially with Manchester United unfortunately becoming one of the main point donors in the Premier League. However, a win at Old Trafford won't be enough. They need one of the top three to drop points. Regardless, the visitors will be playing solely for the win, making the favorite...
🔊 Can Newcastle secure a top-five finish in the English Premier League? Currently sitting fourth, they are only ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. This makes a win at St. James' Park crucial for the Magpies. Everton might not be in contention for anything significant, but they remain a tricky opponent. We'll explore various scenarios to make an insightful prediction. Head-to-Head...
🔊 Will Manchester City secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the Premier League season? A victory would guarantee it. However, under certain scenarios, a draw or even a loss might suffice. Fulham, stuck in mid-table, aren't contending for anything significant. With a lack of motivation, they appear as the underdogs in this clash at London's Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, we will explor...
🔊 Can Ipswich Town wrap up their stay in the English Premier League with a victory? They're up against West Ham, a team with a decent squad but plenty of on-field issues. This gives the "Tractor Boys" a chance to delight the crowd at Portman Road, even though they aren't the favorites. We'll explore various scenarios to make a well-founded prediction.Head-to-Head📊 The only head-to-head encounter b...
🔊 Will the final round of the English Premier League serve as a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield? These very teams will compete for the trophy in August. It's a familiar scenario for Liverpool, but not so for Crystal Palace, who will make their debut in such a match. However, both teams are unlikely to be looking that far ahead, as their lineups are bound to change. More likely, players fr...
🔊 How will Leicester look without their legend, Jamie Vardy? The team is likely to undergo some restructuring, but that's a challenge for next season when the Foxes will be competing in the Championship. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will remain in the Premier League, though their squad could see significant changes due to increased demand for their players. In this upcoming clash, neither team ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
- 1 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 4 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 5 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 6 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 7 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 8 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 9 Liverpool considering transfer swoop
- 10 Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction 25 May 2025