Rangers sitting pretty in European table that gives Philippe Clement domestic hope
11/13/2024 07:00 AM
Rangers in over Hearts was functional at best, but it was a painful watch for those brave enough to sit through it.
For once, those who left Ibrox early couldn't be blamed given the football on display, however, there is a glimmer of hope for Philippe Clement and a squad that has been battered from pillar to post for most of the season.
The biggest problem for Rangers domestically has been a shortage of goals, take out the six scored in one game against Ross County and it is barely one a game, a complete contrast to what has been seen in Europe.
Rangers Europa League form can fire domestic struggles
In four Europa League league phase fixtures, Rangers have won two, drawn one and lost one to sit in tenth place on the table – one place below Lyon and, incredibly, two below FCSB.
On the xG Difference – expected goal difference – table, the Light Blues sit even higher up in fourth place behind only Ajax, Lazio and Galatasary with a total of 3.9.
Considering Rangers conceded four to Lyon at home, it's a remarkable turn around.
Why it also shows, is that Clement must be doing something right when he has managed to setup his team to get such a figure against four good teams.
Malmo might sit in 28th place in the Europa League, but they've just been crowned Swedish champions and are no mugs.
Why Rangers should follow Celtic’s lead
The easy comparison to make is with Celtic when it comes to creativity and goal scoring.
Their front three all contribute, so does their midfield. In contrast, Nicolas Raskin, Connor Barron and Mohamed Diomande – Rangers best three, have one goal and a handful of assists between them.
Encouragingly, there did appear to be a tactical tweak against Motherwell and Hearts even if it didn't quite go to plan vs the latter.
Celtic, since Ange Postecoglu arrived in Glasgow, have shown how to clean up domestically, attack with pace, and attack with numbers.
Until Oscar Cortes and Danilo are fit enough to start, there won't be much pace but Clement has clearly given Rangers midfield and full backs the instruction to get into the box more.
All they need to do now is make the right decisions when they get there.
