Rangers: Clement is learning the SPL well, but Killie offer a big challenge

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Rangers: Clement is learning the SPL well, but Killie offer a big challenge
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Rangers manager Philippe Clement is seen during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Rangers FC and Heart of Midlothian at Ibrox Stadium on February 24, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic, beware.

That’s the message from Ibrox Noise, if Brendan Rodgers’ side were expecting to reassert their authority in April at the second-last Old Firm clash, because if there’s one thing that’s become abundant about Philippe Clement since he took over:

He learns from his errors.

Example One:

His first encounter with Hearts at Ibrox – within minutes Lawrence Shankland had ravaged Ridvan and it was 0-1. Yes, the side scratched a win from that one, but it was a horrible display.

Now fast-forward to the most recent Ibrox fixture with Hearts – Clement, learning from the last three, absolutely destroyed Steven Naismith’s side with room to spare. Ridvan was still in defence.

Example Two:

Clement’s first dropped points were to Aberdeen at Pittodrie – the opening 25 minutes were punctuated by Bojan Miovski getting the drop on Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun, time and time again. That they didn’t score more was staggering. We left with a wounded 1-1.

His next fixture v Barry Robson’s side? A blow away at Hampden in which Miovski didn’t get a sniff and the tactics snuffed the Dons’ danger man out entirely. They tried the same tactic with him but it was completely strangled.

In short?

Clement learns from his errors, he learns the teams he faces.

Which is why Killie represent something new for Clement on Wednesday. Yes, we got the 3-1 at Ibrox, but on their own patch is a completely different prospect. They are a force there. And while Clement knows them from Ibrox, he doesn’t know them at Rugby Park.

This represents a big challenge for the Belgian, because this is the one of the ‘trio’ of tough fixtures Rangers fans are most wary of. With good reason.

But Celtic?

The boss has learned from his errors v Celtic and while Rodgers’ side will not be easy, and will raise their game massively we’d imagine, the way Rangers are currently functioning and the way Clement is learning, we are very optimistic of this one.

But first things first, Killie…

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