Rangers fans are increasingly frustrated not just by their team’s failure to secure a win against Celtic, but also by recurring mistakes leading to self-inflicted goals. Despite Rangers creating several promising opportunities, a lack of defensive discipline allowed Celtic to take all three points.
Philippe Clement now faces the task of evaluating his squad’s basic defensive capabilities. His focus is on identifying whether the current players are meeting the fundamental requirements of solid defense. There’s speculation that a free agent, previously linked to the club, could provide the solution.
One such player who could make a significant impact is Brandon Williams. With three left-backs already in the squad—Ridvan Yilmaz, Robbie Fraser, and Jefte—Clement has options, but all of them are predominantly attack-oriented. Williams, who has been suggested as a potential target, offers a different profile. Known for his no-nonsense defensive approach, Williams has been praised by former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a ‘top player.’ His robust defending style could address the defensive frailties highlighted in recent matches.
In addition to potential signings, Clement has also hinted at exploring the free agent market to address multiple needs. Specifically, he has pointed to the ongoing issue of finding a suitable replacement for John Lundstram in the defensive midfield role. Clement is considering alternatives within his current squad, such as Connor Barron, Dujon Sterling, and Nico Raskin, but acknowledges that a more tailored solution might be necessary.
Clement’s challenge is to adapt and find solutions that align with the squad’s strengths and current needs. The manager’s decision-making will be crucial as Rangers aim to improve their performance and avoid repeating past mistakes in future Old Firm derbies. With his history of making decisive changes, Clement is expected to make strategic adjustments to better equip his team for upcoming challenges.