Philippe Clement Demands Rangers Be Ready For Busy Festive Schedule Of Matches

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Rangers manager Philippe Clement is preparing his team for a demanding schedule of 11 matches across three competitions by the end of January. Despite believing the fixture list isn't ideal for quality football, Clement plans to rotate his squad to pursue trophies this season. The team's journey begins with a Boxing Day match against St. Mirren, a team they have dominated in past encounters.

Rangers are currently trailing Celtic by nine points in the Scottish Premiership, making their title hopes precarious. They recently lost to Brendan Rodgers' team in a thrilling Scottish League Cup final, decided by penalties. Clement remains focused on their upcoming match against St. Mirren at the SMISA Stadium, acknowledging the challenge posed by their physical style and well-prepared manager.

The busy schedule also includes crucial Europa League games against Manchester United and Union Saint-Gilloise. Victories in these matches would secure Rangers' progression to the knockout stages. Clement emphasises the need for his squad to be both physically and mentally prepared for this intense period.

Clement sees squad rotation as beneficial, keeping players alert and ready for action. "The more you complain about it, the more excuses you have," he stated, highlighting his desire to avoid excuses and maintain focus on performance. He acknowledges that while the fixture list isn't ideal, it's essential to concentrate on readiness.

Rangers will conclude the year facing Motherwell before starting 2025 with a significant clash against rivals Celtic at Ibrox. This match is expected to be a highlight of their season's start. Clement recognises that such a packed schedule isn't new in football history but insists on having a squad ready for these challenges.

Clement also pointed out that physicality is not unique to Scotland; similar demands exist in leagues like Belgium and France. He stressed that adapting to such conditions is crucial for success across different competitions.

As Rangers navigate this challenging period, maintaining focus and readiness will be key to achieving their goals across all competitions they are involved in this season.