Clement's Big Plan: Tackling Injuries at Rangers

As the curtain falls on another grueling Scottish Premiership season, Rangers manager Philippe Clement is already looking ahead to next year with a steely determination to address the injury woes that have plagued his side. The Belgian tactician, who took over the Ibrox hot seat in the autumn, has had to contend with a growing casualty list, prompting him to declare that “a big preparation” is in order to fortify his squad’s resilience.

Clement’s concerns were amplified in the recent Scottish Cup quarter-final against Hibernian, where Rangers emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline but at a significant cost. Dujon Sterling and his replacement Ross McCausland were both forced off the pitch, adding to the already lengthy injury list that has hampered the Gers’ pursuit of silverware.

“It is a pity I am not a doctor,” Clement lamented, his voice tinged with frustration at the mounting toll of injuries. “We need to analyze deeply what has happened and why so many players have been injured this season.”

The Rangers boss also took aim at the robust challenges his players have faced, calling for a “zero tolerance” approach to dangerous tackles after Hibernian midfielder Nathan Moriah-Welsh’s red card challenge on John Lundstram. Clement’s demand for greater protection from officials echoes a growing sentiment among managers and players alike, as the physical demands of the modern game continue to escalate.

Beyond the immediate concerns, the former Club Brugge manager’s sights are firmly set on implementing a comprehensive injury prevention program for the upcoming campaign. With a wealth of experience at the highest levels of European football, Clement understands the importance of meticulous planning and preparation to ensure his squad remains fighting fit throughout the arduous domestic and continental fixtures.

“We need to look at everything – from training loads to recovery protocols, nutrition, and even psychological factors,” Clement explained. “It’s a complex issue, but one that we must address head-on if we want to compete at the highest level consistently.”

The Rangers faithful, ever-demanding of success, will undoubtedly throw their full support behind Clement’s ambitious plans. After all, a fully-fit and firing squad could prove to be the difference between silverware and bitter disappointment in the cutthroat world of Scottish football.

As the summer break beckons, the Ibrox faithful can take solace in the knowledge that their manager is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to build a more robust and resilient Rangers side – one that can withstand the rigors of a grueling campaign and mount a sustained challenge for glory on multiple fronts.