Kris Boyd has praised Philippe Clement for leading Rangers to a top-eight finish in the Europa League, calling it a “huge” accomplishment. The achievement means the club bypasses the knockout playoff round and heads straight to the Round of 16, marking a significant milestone in their European campaign. This came after a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Union SG at Ibrox on 30 January, with Nicolas Raskin and Vaclav Cerny securing the crucial win in their final league phase fixture.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News on 5 February, Boyd shared his verdict on Rangers’ Europa League journey, highlighting the difficulty of their group-stage opponents. He noted that Rangers faced some of Europe’s elite, including Manchester United, Olympiakos, Spurs, and Lyon, making their progression even more impressive. Boyd acknowledged that while Lyon outclassed them at Ibrox, Rangers showed resilience against other top sides, including earning a draw against Olympiakos.
Boyd specifically pointed out Rangers’ determination in their clash with Manchester United, where they managed to fight back despite tough circumstances. He stressed that the campaign was far from easy, yet the team’s ability to navigate such challenging fixtures reflects the strong leadership of Clement and the players’ commitment. The progress comes as a major boost for the club’s European ambitions under the Belgian manager.
Philippe Clement’s leadership continues to win praise, with this achievement adding to his growing reputation at Ibrox. The direct qualification to the Round of 16 sets Rangers up for an exciting knockout phase and positions them as a team to watch in the later stages of the Europa League. For Boyd, this success underscores the importance of the team’s collective effort and Clement’s tactical acumen.