Philippe Clement explains James Tavernier decision in comments on 'ego' at Ibrox
11/07/2024 04:10 PM
Philippe Clement turned heads when he opted to drop Rangers captain James Tavernier for the Europa League clash with Olympiacos.
The Rangers manager drew a sizeable reaction from Gers fans for the decision with Dujon Sterling coming in to replace the Ibrox skipper.
Whilst James Tavernier would eventually come off the bench in the impressive 1-1 draw, Philippe Clement faced questions on the decision come full time.
But the Rangers manager insists that whilst it wasn't an 'easy decision' to drop Tavernier for this game, the Ibrox captain will still contribute this season.
Philippe Clement explains James Tavernier call
"That's never an easy decision," said Clement when asked about dropping James Tavernier for the game. "But I want more than one captain in the group.
"It's also, if you come at a certain age you cannot play 60 games any more at the same level, so that's normal.
"We knew that before the season. We talked about that before the season also and Tav is just the captain.
"So he will continue like that and he will play also more games this season and it's about competition for the spots, for everybody."
Rangers manager comments on Ibrox 'ego'
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has also been talking about 'ego' in the squad with every player expected to contribute to a common goal.
Rangers captain James Tavernier is in his 10th season at Ibrox and has played an immense amount of football for the team.
British football's highest scoring defender, there was always going to be a moment when the 33-year-old begun to slow down and we appear to have reached that moment.
But speaking after the game, Clement insists that he is trying to foster a feeling of harmony in the Rangers camp with everyone expected to contribute in different ways.
"It's not about one player or one ego or one thing, it's about one team. It's about winning together," said Clement.
"And he's showed it also now, and in the last couple of weeks by playing in a higher position in moments and doing a job for the team.
"So that's what I expect. That's Rangers. One team, one family, everybody going for the one goal."
