Rangers icon sent back to the future after illuminating meeting with Philippe Clement

On Thursday, the Gers go to Lisbon for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 matchup against Benfica.Ian Durrant maintains that Rangers are following the law because it is believed by Philippe Clement to be crucial in their match versus Benfica.

Since neither man takes fools lightly, the Light Blues icon believes the Belgian’s zero-tolerance policy and unambiguous messaging are reminiscent of the Graeme Souness era. The next test for an Ibrox team that Durrant feels has been raised by some tough love since Clement’s arrival is a journey to the Estadio da Luz to play the Eagles in Lisbon for a Europa League last-16, first-leg match.

“I met Philippe when the club was training in La Manga during the warm weather,” he stated. He gave an overview of his goals for the club and is a direct speaker. That sounded a lot like what I’d heard when Graeme met with all the boys at Ibrox for the first time. It was really a different situation since he arrived as a player-coach, Walter Smith was working with him, and Souness had clearly stated what he wanted.

He merely warned us not to get involved if any of us weren’t willing to follow the rules. Similar to Clement, the message was clear and expressed his specific desires. Rangers were in a funk when Clement got there. They now play Benfica in the Europa League last-16.

“After only a brief period of time in the role, there has been an amazing reversal. There are parallels between Souness’s entry and the club’s lack of success at the time.
“Everyone must now follow the norms that Clement has laid out in his plans. Lisbon will therefore have a high level of confidence.

Durrant is still a great fan favourite among Rangers supporters, who are finally experiencing a sense of relief following the disastrous start to the season under former manager Michael Beale. However, the legendary player for the team is well aware of the dangers of defying a manager’s orders.

“When you don’t follow instructions to the letter, there is a price to pay, and I paid the price a few times under Souness,” he stated. Although there were a few instances of poor behaviour, I wouldn’t define myself as a maverick.

“I got the chance to play in a midfield with Souness when I was 19 years old. I now have the right to express myself. I knew I had Ally McCoist in front of me and the gaffer had my back. From a young age, we developed a fantastic relationship, and Davie Cooper was a legendary player who could put the ball on a sixpence.

“I was also allowed to go have fun and play because people like Terry Butcher were behind me. However, I was aware that I needed to execute within the lines. Players were lining up to replace me in large numbers.

“It was an amazing experience to play under Souness. Similar to Clement, he had the ability to turn the squad around since he had faith in the new players. The players in La Manga and at the club are smiling now, that’s the one thing I’ve observed.

Going to their work is obviously enjoyable, and Souness infused that enjoyment in our group as well. Yes, we had a strong work ethic and put a lot of effort into helping the Rangers win games.
However, he desired for his players to play with joy. The fantastic individuals in our dressing room added to the great mood that he and Walter produced. He instilled in us the idea that we could go out and have fun whenever the moment was appropriate.

Though Beale’s tenure with the Light Blues isn’t exactly legendary, Durrant thinks the Englishman deserves some credit for his two or three recruits, one of which was a new keeper.

“Beale deserves credit for some of the players he did bring in,” the speaker declared. The acquisitions of Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin have been excellent, and the acquisition of Jack Butland was a brilliant move. Some players, like Cyriel Dessers, have taken longer to get going, but he is now kicking into gear and scoring goals.

The season has changed because of the mood that Clement generated. Early in his rule, he won a trophy, which invigorates everyone at the club.

“Football can turn a full circle very rapidly. After trailing by a significant margin when he entered, he changed the tide and pursued Celtic at the top. Another fascinating challenge that comes with Europe is still present at Benfica.

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