Manager Philippe Clement said that Rangers did well “not to throw everything into the garbage” before their Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Hearts.
The Ibrox team had only triumphed in two of the previous eight games across all competitions, and the team’s recent 3-2 loss in Dingwall and goalless draw in Dundee had raised more concerns for Clement than at any other point in his career.
Still, Rangers’ hopes of a domestic triple were preserved thanks to Cyriel Dessers’ double at Hampden.
In the first half at the national stadium, their recent stumble was not noticeable. Hearts were pressed hard by Rangers up the park, giving them no opportunity to get comfortable in the match.
Dessers’ first goal calmed any anxieties; there was bite in the tackle, sharpness in the passing, and none of the hesitancy one might have anticipated in light of prior performances.
Rangers defeated Hearts to advance to the Celtic One-man drama final. Dessers keeps working to redeem the Rangers.
“They had the correct mindset from the beginning,” Clement stated of his team. We were well aware of their desire to score quickly, but we also did that at Ross County. We succeeded and played with greater poise.
“It really helps to have players like [Mohamed] Diomande back.” We missed him after he sustained an injury against Celtic. Other players returned as well, though they didn’t play to their full potential yet. You must consider each of those factors and refrain from discarding anything.
“You must consider the situation. The players demonstrated this, which is why they felt confident in our ability to defeat a very skilled squad today.
“With thanks to Hearts. They deserved to be in third place because they are having a great season and have gained a lot of points. It will be crucial to play that way over the next several weeks against the third-best team in the league.”
Clement ‘demanded’ an answer.
Four changes were made to Clement’s team sheet from the drab showing at Dens Park on Wednesday. Leon Balogun replaced Connor Goldson in the starting lineup, and Diomande, Dessers, and winger Rabbi Matondo were added back.
Rangers maintained a clean sheet in the back and took their opportunities when it mattered at the other end, so the changes were warranted.
Clement maintains that he was certain his side would succeed.
He said, “It’s what I expected.” “I wanted it, so I demanded it. That’s what I anticipated the team would deliver.
“I was quite dissatisfied with Ross County regarding the game in which we were unable to maintain our regular football framework.
“Against Dundee we were too much in a rush to score the goal and today we found the right balance again.”
The Belgian’s team is getting closer to full strength for the final stretch, and he was excited by the variety of alternatives available to him.
“It’s been challenging the last few months because of all the injuries,” he said. “As you can see, the bench is once more stronger now.
“We will now face a battle in this last stretch of the season. Because we have a strong bench, we have players returning and the caliber of both training and play has increased.”
Rangers held firm when Hearts put pressure on them, especially in the second half. If they are to defeat Celtic in the league or the cup, they will have to rely on their steel and resiliency.
After their latest setback, Clement didn’t seem too depressed, and it’s likely that he won’t get ahead of himself now.
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