BREAKING NEWS: Philippe Clement pleads with the team’s supporters for title trust as the crazy Genk campaign proves his ability to lead Rangers through the mayhem.
Have you heard the story of the professor of biomechanics, the Ukrainian, and the Spaniard?
Although Philippe Clement can chuckle about it now, in 2019 it was undoubtedly not a laughing issue for the large Belgian. Things seemed to be working against the Smurfs and their manager, with his Genk team at the top of the league and headed for the club’s first domestic league title in eight years.
First, his great playmaker from Spain, Pozuelo, abruptly declared that he was leaving for Toronto in Major League Soccer, reportedly on a megabucks contract. The guy who had contributed seven goals and eighteen assists could not be replaced, as the European transfer window had closed. To make matters worse, Clement had to deal with the loss of one of his biggest stars, Ruslan Malinovskyi, for a staggering nine games when the midfielder from Ukraine received a heavy suspension for kicking out at a rival.
But, tragedy was avoided when the man currently in charge of the Rangers‘ quest for victory brought in a world-class body mechanics expert from a university to demonstrate that the event was entirely unintentional. After defying a last-minute challenge from Club Brugge, the ban was eventually lifted, and Malinovskyi was free to play a pivotal part with four goals in the run-up to what ultimately became the Ibrox gaffer’s first trophy as manager. In the end, Clement got the last laugh.
Clement brought up that story as an example of the kind of crazy things that can happen when the hectic, stressful business end of a title chase takes on a life of its own. The message was very clear: trust him when he says he knows where the traps are since he has been there before.
The 49-year-old stated, “My experience will help me, I know what it is,” prior to tonight’s journey to Rugby Park, which is sure to be another tough test of the Gers’ title credentials.
“I try to communicate to my players the risks that I am aware of.” I am aware of the commotion and bustle surrounding it, as well as the living, observing the outcomes of others, and doing all the pointless foolish things that you may do.
“I try to convey that to my guys, and for some of them, that helps in some manner. That’s the reason I mentioned earlier that humans are self-centered.
“I’ve made mistakes in the past as a player, therefore I am quite knowledgeable about how to win titles. We had constant fighting with Brugge with Genk, my first managerial title.
“We had a very tiny squad and a lot of games. I was unable to rotate in this manner. Our playmaker Pozuelo left for the MLS three weeks prior to the playoffs.
In terms of money, it was an opportunity he could not pass up. You had to let him go at the end because when he showed me the numbers, I found it crazy.
It was a major setback, and everyone believed that Genk’s days were over. That was three weeks prior to the playoffs, and during our final playoff game at home, Malinovskyi—another crucial midfield player—was given a red card and received a nine-game suspension.
“You lose your No. 8 and then your No. 10, and I went crazy in my head.” He fell, and the way he landed caused him to contact the other player on the chest, which is why I thought the nine games were absurd.
“I have experience with hips, having had a hip replacement, and the sensation of having your legs slide back or your hip going lifeless in an instant. I went to a university professor to ask if I was correct, and he answered, “Yes, you are.”
“I requested that he accompany me to the committee. Together, we went to tell the account of what had transpired. The committee realized that it was all bio-dynamics, thus he received zero games.
“We ended up winning the title, but it was an exciting time with a lot of stories before.”
Experience has taught Clement that managing player emotions under pressure is just as important as whatever tactical genius he might be conjuring up. However, the former coach of Monaco and Brugge is happy to say that thus far, things have gone well for him in that regard.
“This group is also very united right now,” he remarked. “Let me give you an example. During my debriefing after the most recent game versus Hearts, we demonstrated a number of things that, as usual, we should improve with.
“The objectives was one of the things. John Souttar did a great job setting up Cyriel Dessers’ goal, and one of the other center backs who didn’t play was really admiring him.
“Guys, this makes my day,” I exclaimed to them. It demonstrates how much of a team you are.
“You are in a team if you can sincerely celebrate someone else’s accomplishments without feeling like you are in competition with them. If everyone continues to act like way, this season is going to be fantastic.
Clement is hoping that Mohamed Diomande, the recent addition, continues to perform as he has been since coming from Nordsjaelland last month. The Ivorian midfield scored back-to-back goals in the victories over St Johnstone and Hearts, leaving an impressive first impression.
Clement expressed his expectation that the young player will succeed, saying, “I don’t think Rangers will be his last step. He’s a high potential player.”
Naturally, injuries are a necessary part of the game, but if he avoids them, he will advance farther in his career since he not only has talent but also the correct mindset to contribute to the team and be intensely focused and dedicated.
He is someone who places a great deal of emphasis on those things. He will improve steadily with additional knowledge and experience, much like a sponge, as he gains increased intelligence.
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