Clement: We Know Betis Will Provide A Tough Test

PHILIPPE CLEMENT knows Real Betis will provide a tough test but he has urged his Rangers players to challenge it head on.

A win over the La Liga side in Spain will see the Gers top their Europa League group, but no matter the result, European football after Christmas is guaranteed.

The Belgian gaffer is unbeaten in 12 matches and hopes his players can extend that run to 13.

He said: “How many home games have Betis lost? Zero. If a team like Real Madrid don’t win here, we know it will be a big test.

“We respect them and it is an interesting game. We have nothing to lose, we are in Europe later in the season.

“But we come here with big ambitions and we make the next step as a group.

“I have given them challenges and almost every time they have passed them. This is maybe the biggest one, but we are ready for it.

“Every game is different and this is a new game. Betis has a different style to Sparta and Aris.

“I feel something special in the group and we have a good dynamic. I have felt that for the past few weeks.

“I have seen it growing on the pitch and after going behind against Dundee everyone stayed together and we scored good goals.

“Even with ten men there was no doubts in the team, they didn’t give away any chances and we created some good ones.

“We need to continue that story against a good team.

“I don’t think of the past it is about the now and the future.”

Playmaker Todd Cantwell will miss the Betis clash, with the boss hopeful he will be available to face Aberdeen in the Viaplay Cup final on Sunday at Hampden.

One player who will sit out the trip to the national stadium is Danilo with Clement confirming he faces a few months out.

He added: “Todd isn’t here as he has a personal issue and he wants to keep it personal and we respect that.

“It’s nothing between the club and him, or me and him, it is family wise.

“We hope he will be available for Sunday but there is no guarantee.

“I don’t put timescales on things as I am someone who healed quickly. I was told I would be out for eight weeks and I was back in four.

“I don’t think it is good to put a timescale on it. I try to be honest and it will be several months for Danilo.

“It’s about the guys who are here, they have ambition and they want to prove themselves and as a team.”

Clement confirmed the appointments of Alex Rae, Colin Stewart and Brian Gilmour to work alongside assistant boss Stephan van der Heyden for the rest of the season and the Gers boss is delighted with his coaching set-up.

He said: “You need to see if the staff fit with yourself and I took my time and I am happy with the work they have done.

“Brian came from the academy and he understands how we want to play and he is the bridge to the academy and that’s important for me.

“Alex is someone who knows what it is to be a Rangers player, he has experience at every level and he has done a good job.

“Stephan came with me and he works well with Brian and Alex, while Colin is doing good work with the goalkeepers, so I am happy.”


  • SHOP: This Christmas It's Rangers All The Way, shop the Official Rangers Gift Guide HERE

  • RANGERSTV: Get closer to your club with RangersTV subscription HERE

  • MYGERS: Enjoy exclusive experiences, discounts and events with a MyGers membership HERE