‘This is massive’ – Halliday shares Clement sack verdict ahead of Rangers clash v Celtic

Rangers manager Philippe Clement isn’t “under pressure” at Ibrox but the Old Firm clash with Celtic will be “massive” for the Belgian, according to Andy Halliday.

The Light Blues’ season comes to an end with a trip to Hampden Park on Saturday (25 May) where they will face their Glasgow rivals for the fifth time this season in the Scottish Cup final.

Clement is yet to get one over Brendan Rodgers in Old Firm fixtures and while Halliday doesn’t believe the Belgian will be sacked if the Gers lose, he admits this could be the start of a bad run if the Light Blues slip up.

Speaking on The Open Goal YouTube channel (20 May, 47:30) he said: “I think it’s a big game. I don’t think it is big in terms of his job, I don’t think he’s under pressure with his job at all.

“But what will that be? Four Old Firm games and you’ve not won in any of them and the first one next season will be at Celtic Park. I think this is massive for him.”

Will Philippe Clement leave Rangers if they lose Old Firm clash against Celtic at Hampden?

Clement may not be under pressure, but he will know that Saturday’s clash could well define his time in Glasgow as the Belgian cannot end his first season in Scotland without a win against the Light Blues’ biggest rivals.

While the Gers have slipped up against all of their opponents this season, these are the games that matter the most and too often under the Belgian Rangers have looked a million miles away from the Hoops.

Something simply has to change otherwise the pressure from fans will continue to mount in the coming weeks and months and Clement will begin next season without the supporters completely on his side at Ibrox.

That was almost what happened to Michael Beale last summer and it only took a few poor results and a miserable start to the season to see the Englishman sacked. Clement will be desperate to not suffer the same fate.

FOR MORE NEWS CLICK HERE