Rangers manager Philippe Clement has heaped praise on Hamza Igamane for his continued development after the Moroccan midfielder scored in Rangers’ 1-1 Europa League draw with Tottenham at Ibrox. Igamane’s goal, which came just after halftime, was his fifth in as many games, marking a significant improvement since his move to Glasgow in the last transfer window. Despite a slow start to his Rangers career, Clement was quick to recognize the hard work and dedication Igamane has shown, commending the 25-year-old for his recent form.
"I am very pleased with Hamza's progress," Clement said. "Since he arrived, he's shown a strong desire to improve and has worked hard to adapt to our system. It’s clear to see that his confidence is growing with every game. To score in such an important match is a testament to his focus and commitment."
Igamane’s goal came at a critical moment in the match, helping Rangers to stay on level terms with Tottenham after Dejan Kulusevski's first-half strike. While the draw meant Rangers were unable to secure a memorable win, Clement was encouraged by the team’s performance and their ability to compete with top European sides. The fact that Rangers were disappointed with only a draw reflects a significant shift in the club's mentality, as they are now setting higher expectations for themselves.
“The fact that we are disappointed with a draw shows how far we’ve come,” Clement remarked. “In the past, we might have been happy with just a point against a team like Tottenham, but now we want to push for more. That’s the mentality we need if we are to reach the next level.”
Clement also took the opportunity to reflect on Rangers' overall form. Despite the result against Tottenham, the team is on an impressive nine-match unbeaten run, which includes four consecutive victories leading up to this game. This strong run of form has built a sense of momentum within the squad, and Clement is hopeful that the team can carry this positive energy into the upcoming Scottish League Cup final against Celtic on Sunday.
“We’ve been in good form recently, and it’s important to continue this momentum, especially with the League Cup final just around the corner,” Clement said. “The players are showing great character, and our performances have been getting better. The fans have been fantastic, and their support means a lot to us. We’re all looking forward to Sunday.”
However, the draw with Tottenham wasn’t without its setbacks. Rangers were forced to make an early change when central defender John Souttar was forced off the pitch in the first half with an injury. With the Old Firm League Cup final against Celtic fast approaching, the timing of the injury raised concerns for Clement, though the manager was cautious about giving an update on Souttar's condition.
“I don’t know how he is right now,” Clement said. “It’s never a good sign when a player has to leave the field in the first half, and I’m not sure about his situation yet. We’ll have to wait and see how he is in the coming days.”
Despite this setback, Clement remains focused on the bigger picture, stressing that challenges like these are part of the growth process for any team. He emphasized the need for the squad to maintain their intensity, improve decision-making, and be more aggressive in key moments on the field.
"We’ve seen some great progress in recent weeks, but we can’t take our foot off the gas," Clement added. “We need to continue pushing ourselves, making better decisions, and being more aggressive in the game. We showed determination, but now we need to make sure we sustain that and keep improving.”
For Clement, the upcoming Old Firm final against Celtic represents another opportunity for his side to showcase their development and challenge for silverware. The match will be crucial in further solidifying Rangers’ position at the top of Scottish football and providing a platform for the team to continue their upward trajectory under Clement's leadership.
As the team looks ahead to the final, the connection between the players and the fans continues to strengthen, with the supporters recognizing the hard work and positive playing style that Clement has instilled in his squad. With Igamane's continued rise and a determined group of players, Rangers will be looking to make a statement against Celtic and take home the League Cup trophy.
The game against Tottenham, despite the draw, demonstrated that Rangers are ready to compete at the highest level, and with key players like Igamane firing on all cylinders, Clement’s men are poised for more success in the coming weeks.
