Rangers boss Philippe Clement has come under fire from some supporters following his comments on the club’s defeat to Kilmarnock.
Rangers fans have been left puzzled by manager Philippe Clement’s post-match remarks on former Manchester United man Jack Butland’s performance against Kilmarnock. The Light Blues had a disappointing day, failing to take advantage of Aberdeen and Celtic’s draw on Saturday – their loss to Kilmarnock meant they fell further behind in the Scottish Premiership race than they were at the start of the weekend.
Rugby Park has always been a challenging venue for Rangers, but the lacklustre 1-0 defeat has ignited anger among the Ibrox supporters. In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Clement was questioned about why they struggled against Derek McInnes’ team – and he pointed the finger at goalkeeper Butland for Marley Watkins’ late winning goal.
The Belgian stated: “It’s about details. It’s about your right full-back at that moment, too late reacting to push forward with your defensive line and because of that, the player was not offside.
“So, yeah, those are details, but important details. And then we can react also better. Jack Butland is a little bit in no-man’s land in that moment. Small details with new players also. So we need to learn out of that, but we need to play better than we did today. That’s also clear.”
A recent nod to Butland has led some supporters to sense tension at Ibrox with whispers of unrest following the goalkeeper’s pointed remarks after a heavy defeat by Lyon in the Europa League. His suggestion for the need of a “different approach” struck a chord with fans as a jab at management, reports the Daily Record.
One supporter suggested online that the response from the dugout was telling, saying: “He’s actually hung Butland out to dry for the goal. Souttar carries the can not Butland. No coincidence Butland took a swipe at his tactics against Lyon.”
Another added their thoughts: “Throwing Butland under the bus but the rest get off. My honest opinion they ain’t playing for Clement.”
Meanwhile, comments continued to flow, with another fan noting: “Butland said something the other week, now Clement is just trying to get one back.”
And an onlooker remarked: “Butland burying Clements tactics vs Lyon. Clement hanging Butland AND Tavernier out dry post-match vs Kilmarnock. Not a good look.”
Butland joined Rangers on a free transfer from Crystal Palace last season. Before that he spent six months on loan with United between January and June 2023.
The now 31-year-old was only ever an unused substitute for United. He played the backup role to then United goalkeeper David De Gea.
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