PHILIPPE CLEMENT says time and hard work will be the key ingredients in building a successful Rangers side.
The Belgian made his European bow on the touchline for the Light Blues last night as the Gers earned a creditable point away to Sparta Prague, with all eyes now firmly on the visit of Hearts as the Ibrox side look to make it successive league victories under the new boss.
And Clement believes his side must go full tilt in their pursuit of victory as he hopes to build a memorable ‘story’ at Ibrox.
Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s clash, he commented: “It’s about building a story together. The football that I want to see is with a lot of movement but moving together. It’s not something that you can create in two weeks.
“We need time, hard work, and concentration from the players to go fully over the next few weeks and months to make this story really strong. I’m convinced of that; with these players and the right decisions, we can make a really good season with this team.
“We need to work hard and, over the next weeks and months, we will make an assessment on what we need to do or not need to do in January, which positions we need to look for to make the squad.
“It’s an open period for the players, a blank page where they can get chances and show themselves, and I’m looking at it that way also.”
Clement says he will make an assessment on Borna Barisic’s fitness ahead of the visit from Steven Naismith’s side, with Ben Davies performing commendably in an unfamiliar position in the goalless draw in Prague.
Ibrox was rocking last weekend as the Gers hit Hibernian for four without reply, and the Light Blues boss has urged his side to play on the front foot once again.
He continued: “It’s normal for it to be a bumpy ride in these circumstances, but we need to enjoy that ride as best as possible.
“We’re going to work hard with the players around their fitness, recovery, lifestyle, and what we need to do tactically. Everyone is tired after last night’s match, but today we had a video meeting about what we did good and where we need to improve.
“Hearts will want to come back after losing a game. They are close to the top positions, and it’s a short recovery after the game for us so we want to focus on that.
“They have a few interesting players: their striker [Lawrence Shankland] played in Belgium with my old team and he’s doing really well.
“It’s a game where we want to be dominant and they’re going to play a game in transition where they will count on set-pieces. We need to be on top of our game with and without the ball.”