Rangers Boss Clement: Team's First-Half Performance Could Have Led To Multiple Substitutions

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Philippe Clement expressed satisfaction with Rangers' improved second-half performance in their 0-0 draw against Hearts, though he acknowledged the initial low bar. The team started poorly but showed better form after halftime, with Cyriel Dessers nearly scoring as his header hit both the crossbar and post.

Hearts dominated the Scottish Premiership opener, taking 18 shots compared to Rangers' nine. The hosts generated 0.78 of their 1.28 expected goals (xG) in the first half alone. Clement noted, "We showed the right images at halftime, we talked, we discussed to do the right things and then you see that we play better football and we create more and we have much more control of the game. We need to continue that way like we played in the second half."

Despite a better second half, Clement criticised his players' first-half performance, especially without the ball. He remarked, "In the first half, I could have changed maybe eight. They need to understand that it's not only with the ball—you need first to win the duels and we lacked that in the first half."

Clement was reasonably pleased with debutants Connor Barron and Vaclav Cerny but hinted at needing more reinforcements before summer's end. He commented, "Connor played a good game but not at the level he played in pre-season; it's his first competitive game. He will be a big asset for the future. You saw Vaclav's qualities to be calm on the ball and make the right decisions. He's an experienced player with a lot of quality."

The manager's observations were supported by match statistics showing Rangers won just 38.5% of their duels in the first half. In contrast, they were braver with better positioning in the second half.

Upcoming Challenges

Rangers face a quick turnaround before their next match against Dynamo Kyiv in a crucial Champions League play-off first leg on Tuesday.

Clement emphasised that adding experienced players would help young talents grow within the team: "We need to get a few more of those types in to help our young players to grow."

Philippe Clement spoke to @RangersTV after today's match against Hearts.

The team must build on their second-half performance if they hope for success in upcoming fixtures.