Philippe Clement has received a vote of confidence from Rangers in the shape of a new behind-the-scenes appointment.
According to the very reliable Sacha Tavolieri, the Light Blues are set to hire Issame Charai as Clement’s new first assistant coach.
The journalist revealed via his personal X account that the 42-year-old has already overseen a training session with the Belgian and is set to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal at Ibrox on Wednesday, 29 January.
While it remains to be seen how much of an impact Charai can make, one thing is for sure. Clement is not leaving anytime soon.
Philippe Clement rope in Issame Charai at Rangers
Clement was under serious pressure in Glasgow in the first half of the season and survived only because the Gers did not have a permanent chairman and a CEO at the time [Ludo Vandewalle].
Fraser Thornton and Patrick Stewart have since been appointed as the chairman and CEO respectively, but Clement is not going anywhere either.
Rangers handing a three-and-a-half-year contract to Charai suggests that they expect the 50-year-old to be in charge for the foreseeable future.
Clement and Charai have not worked together as coaches, nor have they graced the pitch together in the playing days, but they might know each other from their time in Belgium.
The only club they have both represented as players and coaches is Berchem Sport, although there was a significant time gap between their spells there.
Nevertheless, Rangers hiring Charai as their new assistant manager very much looks like a move from Clement.
While many will not be sure about what to make of the former Monaco boss remaining in charge at Ibrox, they will be hopeful that the Belgian-Moroccan coach can make a positive impact at Auchenhowie.
