Rangers find themselves in a precarious position in the Scottish Premiership, trailing rivals Celtic by a staggering 15 points. The team's recent away performance has been nothing short of alarming, as they have managed to secure only 13 points out of a possible 33 on the road. Kris Boyd, a former Rangers player and current pundit, has labeled this record a "disgrace," criticizing the team's inability to convert opportunities into wins, particularly in crucial matches.
The situation worsened for Rangers following their latest outing, a disappointing draw against Dundee, which Boyd described as "insipid." The result has fueled calls for a decisive action regarding the management of the team, with many questioning whether Philippe Clement is the right man for the job. Boyd insists that Clement's time at Ibrox should come to an end, citing a consistent pattern of poor performances and lack of accountability from players.
Despite these mounting concerns, the Rangers board, led by Patrick Stewart, has expressed unwavering support for Clement, stating they are "200% behind" him. However, Boyd argues that Clement continues to make excuses for the team's shortcomings rather than taking responsibility. This sentiment has been echoed by fans who are increasingly frustrated with the team's lack of progress and direction.
In a league where they are expected to compete at the highest level, Boyd highlighted that Rangers should not be dropping points against teams with much smaller budgets. He stated, "Clement will come out and talk about Celtic having a bigger budget but Rangers shouldn't be dropping 19 points against sides who have far, far lesser budgets than them." This criticism underscores the urgency for change within the club’s management.
The former striker further emphasized the psychological toll that consecutive poor results have taken on the team, noting, "And you're struggling for confidence. You lose two, you draw a game and you lose a game before the Celtic game. There was no confidence battle struggle going into the Celtic game." This lack of confidence has manifested in subpar performances that leave fans questioning the team's motivation and commitment.
As the season progresses, the pressure is mounting on both Clement and the players. Boyd believes that while the squad possesses the necessary talent and understanding to win games, they are failing to execute their plans effectively. "Thirteen points out of 33 away from home is a disgrace. You can speak about progress but there is none," he lamented, reflecting the sentiment of disillusionment among supporters.
Boyd's critique does not stop at management; he also directed his frustration towards the players themselves. He posited that there seems to be a failure among them to take responsibility for their actions on the pitch. This lack of accountability has contributed to the dismal state of affairs at Rangers, leaving fans yearning for a return to form and competitive spirit.
Meanwhile, across Glasgow, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is likely relishing Rangers' struggles. Boyd quipped, "Brendan Rodgers, he'll be cracking open the champagne this evening, laughing at them. It's an embarrassment that we are in the early part of January and Celtic are 15 points clear at the top." This comment highlights not only the competitive nature of the rivalry but also the stark reality facing Rangers as they fall further behind their rivals.
The coming weeks will be crucial for both Clement and the Rangers players as they attempt to turn their fortunes around. With each passing game, the urgency for change grows more pronounced. It remains to be seen whether the board will heed Boyd's calls for accountability or continue to stand behind a management team that many believe is failing to deliver results.
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