The iconic Ibrox managers Graeme Souness and Walter Smith, as well as Philippe Clement, have parallels, according to RANGERS great John Brown. Brown also predicted that his squad won’t be aiming for a domestic triple this season or to climb to the top of the Premiership.
If James Tavernier and his teammates defeat managerless Ross County by three goals in their home game tomorrow night in Govan, they will be able to pass Celtic and take the top spot in the top flight table for the first time this season.
But since taking over as manager in October and replacing Michael Beale, Clement has witnessed an incredible turn around in the team’s fortunes. He has reiterated time and time again that his team’s performances are what matter to him right now, not the team’s league standing.
During a commercial event yesterday at Ibrox for the Rangers Youth Development Company and its Union Jackpot half-time draw product, Brown emphasised that Souness and Smith had consistently used the same strategy.Winning the game on Wednesday is what matters most, he stated. I don’t believe it will affect what he is doing if we win. I believe that Clement is simply trying to win each game and is taking things one at a time.
“When I think back on my own interactions with different managers, it was never about waiting till the Old Firm game to come up or about the third game. It was always about the next game. That makes no sense at all. You need to focus on your upcoming game. He seems to be giving that point to the players, in my opinion.One thing that Graeme Souness once stated to me, if I may tell you? “I pick the team,” he declared. Not the fans, but just myself should be on your mind. To remain on the team, you must continue to make me happy. That’s what Philippe is asking his players to do.
“They won’t be in the side if they don’t comply with his demands. And to that, each player is responding. The team’s main goal is to prevail in the match. The manager won’t place excessive expectations on the number of goals they achieve. Succeeding would be fantastic. We are performing admirably. However, I don’t believe the manager views that as a top priority. Because he is keeping the players’ feet on the ground, that is excellent.
