Rangers manager Philippe Clement has opened up about his ambition to succeed in every competition, as his team prepares to face Benfica in the Europa League last 16. The Belgian coach said he never listens to suggestions that he should prioritise domestic trophies over European glory, and that he wants his players to be hungry for every occasion.
Rangers top the Premiership and the Europa League group
Rangers have been in superb form this season, both at home and abroad. They are currently 18 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with only nine games left to play. They have also won their Europa League group, ahead of Benfica, Standard Liege and Lech Poznan, and are unbeaten in 12 matches in the competition.
Clement has been praised for his tactical acumen and man-management skills, as he has transformed Rangers into a formidable force. He has also shown his ability to cope with injuries and Covid-19 cases, as he has rotated his squad and given opportunities to young players.
Clement dismisses the idea of sacrificing Europe for domestic success
However, Clement revealed that some of the Rangers board members once told him that it was more important to win the League Cup than to progress in Europe. The manager said he rejected that idea, and that he told them he could never work that way. He said he wants to create a winning culture at the club, and that he does not pick and choose from a menu of trophies.
Clement said he wants his players to be ready for every challenge, and that he does not see the Benfica fixtures as a distraction. He said he is going to go full for every game, until the end of the season. He said he understands the hunger to win a trophy again at Rangers, but that he also wants to make an impact in Europe.
Clement faces a tough test against Benfica in Lisbon
Rangers will face a tough test against Benfica in Lisbon on Thursday, as they aim to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League for the first time since 2008. Benfica are second in the Portuguese league, and have a wealth of experience and quality in their squad. They also have a good record against Scottish teams, having won 10 and drawn four of their 15 meetings.
Clement said he respects Benfica, but that he is not afraid of them. He said he has studied their strengths and weaknesses, and that he has a plan to counter them. He said he is confident in his own team, and that he believes they can cause problems for any opponent. He said he is looking forward to the game, and that he hopes to enjoy it with his players and staff.
