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Preparing for a Tough Encounter: Rangers vs. St Mirren
As Rangers gear up for their upcoming match against St Mirren in Paisley, manager Philippe Clement has described the encounter as a significant challenge. He emphasizes the necessity for his players to engage effectively in individual contests against the squad led by Stephen Robinson.
Rangers recently climbed to second place in the league standings after securing a win against Dundee, while St Mirren achieved a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ross County, currently placing them sixth in the league.
“We understand that facing St Mirren will be demanding,” Clement remarked. “They possess considerable physical strength, and their manager consistently prepares them well for each match.”
According to Clement, the key to victory lies in winning personal battles on the pitch. “It’s going to require fierce competition,” he noted. “Once we assert ourselves in these duels, we can start playing our style of football. Failure to win these individual contests can lead to difficulties.”
Highlighting the importance of physicality in league play, Clement shared that this aspect is not exclusive to the Scottish Premier League. Drawing from his managerial experiences in Belgium and France, he is well aware of the physical demands of top-flight football.
Looking ahead, Clement expressed optimism about the growth of his midfield trio—Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande, and Connor Barron—as they continue to adapt to the rigors of the game throughout the season.
“It’s crucial to remember that Raskin missed eight to nine months due to injury,” he explained. “It’s unrealistic to expect someone to return immediately to peak performance after such a lengthy absence.”
He continued, “Diomande is still relatively new here, adapting as he goes, while Barron, though knowledgeable about the league, remains a young player with room to develop, which is typical for his age.”
Clement underscored the necessity of winning key tactical battles in midfield, stating, “It is vital to succeed in these duels, especially in Scotland.”
The manager also recognized that discussions about physical play are common in various leagues, not just in Scotland. “The same can be said for the Belgian or French leagues; physicality is inherent in each,” he remarked. “Every respected league integrates this element of the game, making it an essential aspect of football.”
Source
www.bbc.com