Philippe Clement Acknowledges Rangers Fans' Frustration After Dundee Draw

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Philippe Clement empathised with Rangers fans' disappointment as their team dropped more points away from home, drawing against Dundee on Thursday. Oluwaseun Adewumi's early goal was equalised by Vaclav Cerny in the first half, but Rangers couldn't secure a winner after the break. This result leaves them 15 points behind Celtic and highlights their struggle, with only three wins in 11 away games this season.

Many supporters had hoped that Rangers' 3-0 victory over Brendan Rodgers' side earlier in the year would mark a positive shift in their season. However, subsequent draws against Hibernian and Dundee have dampened those expectations. Clement's team is set to face St. Johnstone and Aberdeen in upcoming league matches, where he seeks a stronger performance from his players.

Clement expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's defensive lapse early in the match. "We made it difficult for ourselves after six minutes, conceding a goal with not good defending," he told BBC Scotland. He noted Dundee's effective low block strategy and acknowledged that Rangers failed to break through as they had in recent weeks.

The manager also addressed the fans' reaction, stating, "I understand the fans' reaction. I'm also not happy losing these two points." Injuries have plagued the team recently, contributing to their struggles. Despite conceding fewer goals this time, their attacking efforts fell short of previous performances.

At Dens Park, Rangers struggled offensively, recording an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.73 compared to Dundee's 1.01. Their best chances came from Cerny, thwarted by goalkeeper Trevor Carson, and Mohamed Diomande, who hit the post from 25 yards late in the game.

Clement admitted his team's lack of decisiveness in front of goal was frustrating. "Not enough clear chances," he told Sky Sports after the match. "In our last pass we were not good enough today." Despite dominating possession, they failed to capitalise on key moments.

Seeking Improvement

Clement recognised that confidence might be an issue following an early setback. "Is it freshness? It can be," he said about their performance drop-off. The manager plans to discuss these concerns with his squad to address any underlying issues affecting their play.

The pressure is mounting on Clement as he acknowledges his role as the team's leader during challenging times. "I know I'm the face of the team; it's part of my job," he stated regarding fan dissatisfaction with recent results.

As Rangers prepare for their next fixtures against St. Johnstone and Aberdeen, Clement hopes for a turnaround in form and a return to winning ways on the road.