Proud Philippe Clement savoured one of the ‘great nights’ of his managerial career – then immediately challenged his record-breaking Rangers to match their Europa League heroics at Hampden.
The buzzing Belgian was left beaming after seeing the Light Blues smash their Spanish hoodoo in Seville. The stunning 3-2 win over Real Betis saw Gers record their first ever away win over La Liga opposition at the 14th attempt. And it means that 19 months on from suffering heartache in the competition’s final, Rangers will be dreaming of this year’s showpiece in Dublin after marching into the last 16.
But Clement knows his side don’t have long to soak up their Andalusian adulation, with Sunday’s Viaplay Cup Final against Aberdeen the next challenge. The Rangers gaffer said: “Big pride, really proud of them. I want to see a team of winners, that never gives up, a team where everyone is involved, starting or not starting. That’s what they did today. I said before I wanted to see a “I wanted to see a team with balls, a brave team, not one who only wants to defend but a team that was brave on the ball.
“And they did. First half better that second half when Betis became stronger and stronger. But then we dug in, stayed together and then the moment came. I cannot be more proud as a coach after this short period together.
“I’m lucky, I’ve had some good nights already. But for sure it’s one of the great nights. The bad thing about me is that I’m already thinking to the next one.
“I’ve had some special feelings when I was at Genk and with Brugge but this is the first time with that feeling with this team. I’m really happy with the evolution we’re making, mentally, physically, technically, tactically.
“We’re making steps and there’s still a long way to go. What can this do for the team ahead of Sunday? Nothing. For me, there is no difference because we have won against Betis. It’s a different game.
“Of course this will give us confidence, but we need to see now that we stay with our feet on the ground. The biggest thing today is that everyone in the dressing room knows that if they stick together and work hard, they get the rewards.”
Rangers rolled the dice at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, choosing to go toe-to-toe against a side that hasn’t lost at home since May. But they got what they were looking for as goals from Abdallah Sima, Cyriel Dessers and substitute Kemar Roofe edged out Betis – who drop into the Conference League – to secure top spot in Group C.
Clement added: “There were a lot of records to break. A little bit like you got to the Olympics. You do the high jump and put the bear that high and everyone thinks its impossible.
“But then you jump over it. That’s what the boys did today, by doing the right thing without the ball, being brave, never giving up and showing quality.
“So this needs to be the reference for the rest of the season. If we stick together, then you see we can do amazing things together. We’re going to go really hard to win this first trophy. But we need to be humble also.”
Clement was delighted to see whipping boy Dessers hush his Ibrox critics with a stunning solo effort that put Gers ahead in-between strikes from Juan Miranda and Ayoze Perez. He said: “Cyriel was one of the guys on the plane who I talked to with the video to improve things, and you see he is really working hard to do the things how we want the striker to play.
“The frustrating thing for me is that I had to make a change at half-time when Jose Cifuentes picked up a muscle injury, so I’m not happy about that.
“But then you saw Dujon Sterling came in and played a really good game in midfield. That’s the mentality we need, everybody fighting for the team but with quality on the ball.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
