As the dust settles on Rangers’ dismal Scottish Cup defeat, Philippe Clement appears to be the long-term manager.
No manager has presided over an Ibrox defeat against lower league opposition that has been considered as one of the worst in live memory, and yet the CEO defends his man.
There has been no vote of confidence, with Patrick Stewart previously stating that if performances did not improve, Clement’s job at Rangers would be at risk.
What are the three managers linked to Rangers as of now?
The same three names keep popping up after every terrible result this season, but how are they doing now that they’ve been linked to the most important position in Scottish football?
Kevin Muscat
When Clement was handed the position, he was said to have made it to the final two. The former Rangers right-back has long been a favorite prospect among supporters.
Primarily because he has a distinct style of play that incorporates a high-intensity attacking mindset.
He has also achieved league success in three different countries, having led Shanghai Port to the Chinese Super League title.
Muscat understands that Rangers, Scotland, is a proven winner that plays football in a style that fans would appreciate.
Kjetil Knutsen
The Bodo/Glimt manager has been connected with Rangers and other high-profile positions due to his ability to work on a tight budget yet producing consistently successful squads.
Knutsen, who has won the Norwegian title in four of the last five seasons despite losing his top players on a regular basis, is another candidate for the Ibrox job.
His lack of experience at a ‘big’ club, as well as the radically different tactical approach that he would need to establish against teams that sit in for 90 minutes, could be an issue.
This is complemented by his ability to put together a winning team capable of competing in Europe on a cheap budget.
Steven Gerrard
Rangers fans appear to be divided on Gerrard returning to the club if Clement is fired.
He sets high standards and is the type of figurehead the team requires, but his tactical acumen has been called into doubt after two consecutive defeats.
Like Clement, Gerrard struggled away from Ibrox and against the low block.
Clement is holding on to his position for the time being, but he has little faith in his capacity to turn things around in the long run.
Every run of good form gets spectacularly halted with a resounding thump, with the latest hitting even his most ardent of backers hard.
