Rangers manager Philippe Clement has expressed confidence in his team's ability to build on their recent 2-1 victory against Motherwell as they set their sights on the upcoming Scottish League Cup final against Celtic on December 15. The match at Hampden Park not only showcased Rangers' resilience but also served as a crucial stepping stone in their quest for silverware this season.
Rangers took on Motherwell and secured a hard-fought win, with goals from Cyriel Dessers and Nedim Bajrami. The victory was particularly significant as it came a day after Celtic's dominant 6-0 triumph over Aberdeen in the first semi-final, placing additional pressure on Clement’s side to perform.
Dessers brought Rangers level shortly after halftime, converting a well-placed cross from Connor Barron in the 49th minute. This goal shifted the momentum in Rangers' favor and reignited their hopes of progressing to the final. Bajrami then sealed the victory with a deflected shot nine minutes from time, providing a welcome relief to Clement and his players.
Clement acknowledged that while the Premiership season has been challenging, with Rangers trailing their Old Firm rivals by nine points, this performance should be a reference point for his squad moving forward. He emphasized that replicating the fighting spirit and determination displayed in the match against Motherwell will be crucial for their success in the League Cup final. “If we can consistently bring this level of performance, we can go where we want to be, which is the final,” he stated in an interview with Premier Sports.
The manager highlighted the importance of maintaining belief and resilience, qualities that were instrumental to Rangers' success last season. He remarked, "We had that amazing feeling together with the fans last season, and we can battle for that again." Clement stressed that this victory should serve as a benchmark for his players. He wants them to embrace the mentality of digging deep and fighting through adversity, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
Looking ahead, Clement is keen to see his players maintain this mentality throughout the season, stating, "I want to see, every three days, this mentality." The determination and teamwork evident in their comeback against Motherwell demonstrated that Rangers are capable of overcoming challenges. As they prepare for the League Cup final against Celtic, Clement hopes this victory will inspire his team to strive for excellence consistently and capitalize on the momentum they have built.
In summary, Rangers' recent performance against Motherwell not only boosts their confidence but also lays a solid foundation for their upcoming challenges. Clement's focus on resilience, belief, and team spirit will be vital as they look to reclaim their status as one of Scotland's top clubs. With the final against Celtic looming, Rangers are poised to take on their rivals, fueled by the desire to achieve significant success in the Scottish League Cup.
